The Government of Equatorial Guinea has limited WhatsApp functions across the country by limiting citizens’ downloads and sharing of multimedia files through mobile data.
This restriction follows a major scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, who was found to possess over 400 explicit videos involving prominent married women in the country.
The scandal surfaced during a fraud investigation into the 54-year-old economist.
In a sudden search of Engonga’s house and office, investigators found CDs containing recordings of his encounters with several married women, including the wives of high-ranking officials, such as his brother’s wife, the president’s sister, and even the Director General of Police’s wife. The leaked videos have since caused a public outcry.
In response to the scandal, authorities instructed telecommunications companies to limit access to what they called “inappropriate content.” Now, citizens can only share photos, videos, and audio files on WhatsApp if connected to WiFi, leaving many people unable to communicate through mobile data.
Local news platform, Ahora EG, reported that the restriction has angered citizens, who say it is unfair to punish the entire population over the actions of a few individuals.
“Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few?” asked one user. “This decision seems punitive, affecting thousands who also use these platforms for work and educational activities.”
Another citizen shared their frustration, telling Ahora EG, “Is it really fair that everyone should suffer the consequences of the actions of a few? The lack of transparency only aggravates citizens’ concerns.”
Authorities have not provided a reason for the restriction or indicate how long it will last.
Amid the scandal, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state offices as part of a broader effort to enforce public service laws and prevent misconduct among officials.
