Equatorial Guinea has launched a crackdown on public officials engaged in sexual misconduct within government offices, spurred by the recent high-profile arrest of Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency. Engonga’s arrest, initiated as part of a fraud probe, revealed over 400 recorded encounters involving prominent officials' spouses, including ministers and other high-ranking figures.

The scandal unfolded after an impromptu search of Engonga’s home and office by ANIF officials uncovered numerous CDs documenting the encounters, sparking deep concerns within the administration. In response, Vice President Nguema Mangue announced the immediate suspension of any officials found engaging in inappropriate behaviour in government settings, stressing that such actions violate both the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.

He underscored the government’s “zero tolerance” policy on misconduct that undermines public confidence in state institutions.Attorney General Nzang Nguema emphasized that while consensual relationships are not criminal, the government urges any victims of coercion to report such incidents.

This scandal has highlighted the urgent need for stronger accountability and ethical standards across Equatorial Guinea’s public sector, particularly for officials in trusted positions.Article 34.

- Prohibitions for the Employer and their RepresentativesEvery employer and its representatives are prohibited from the following actions:a) Deducting, withholding, or offsetting any part of workers' salaries or cash benefits, except in ways and within limits established by law.b) Demanding or accepting money or other considerations from workers as a condition for employment or for any other work-related reason.

c) Requiring or encouraging workers to buy consumer goods from specific shops or locations.d) Influencing the political, religious, or trade union beliefs of workers.e) Charging interest to workers on any salary advances or anticipated payments.f) Forcing workers, through coercion or other means, to leave the trade union or association they belong to.

g) Using any form of blacklisting to prevent workers, including those who have retired or been dismissed, from finding employment.h) Retaining tools or other personal property of the worker as indemnity, guarantee, or by any other means that does not involve a legal transfer of ownership.i) Conducting collections or mandatory subscriptions within the workplace.

j) Managing or allowing workers to work while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, narcotics, or any other impairing substances.k) Carrying weapons within the workplace or enclosed working areas, except with special permission granted for this purpose.l) Performing any acts that directly or indirectly restrict workers' rights as provided by this and other applicable laws and regulations.

m) Engaging in any form of harassment, including threats, pressure, coercion, blackmail, or any inappropriate touching of a sexual nature towards a worker of either gender, by the employer’s representative, company heads, or any hierarchical superior.