Equatorial Guinea’s President has appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as Director General of ANIF following Baltasar Ebang Engonga’s dismissal amid misconduct allegations. Investigations revealed significant irregularities, prompting public outrage and a crackdown on unethical behavior within the government through enhanced monitoring measures.
Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF). This follows the removal of Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who faced allegations of misconduct. Engonga was dismissed due to accusations of “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions” and other inappropriate behavior deemed unsuitable for public office as noted in Decree No. 118/2024 dated November 4. The dismissal stemmed from investigations revealing over 400 video recordings in Engonga’s office, reportedly containing footage of wives and relatives of high-ranking officials, including governmental ministers and police officers. The shocking nature of these discoveries incited significant public outrage, prompting the government to act decisively. In a bid to improve accountability, the Equatorial Guinean government has mandated the installation of surveillance cameras in all state offices to monitor the conduct of officials and mitigate future misconduct. Several other officials implicated in this misconduct have also faced suspension, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and reinforcing public trust in governance. Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, who assumes leadership of ANIF, comes with a robust background in law and finance, having graduated from the National University of Equatorial Guinea. His previous roles include Magistrate Judge in Malabo, Director General of Contract Studies and State Markets at the Ministry of Finance, and Secretary General for the Ministries of Finance, Economy and Planning, and Mines, Industry, and Energy.
The appointment of a new Director General at the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea is significant amid recent scandals. The removal of Baltasar Ebang Engonga highlights the increasing scrutiny over governmental conduct and the need for integrity in public offices. This incident has not only revealed alleged misconduct but also led to a wider initiative aimed at enhancing oversight within government institutions, showcasing a shift toward greater accountability in the political landscape of the country.
In conclusion, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s appointment of Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of ANIF represents a critical step in addressing the issues of misconduct within Equatorial Guinea’s government. The extensive allegations against the former director and the shocking discoveries made by investigators reflect a pressing need for reform and heightened scrutiny of officials. The government’s proactive measures, including the installation of surveillance systems, demonstrate a commitment to restoring public trust and reinforcing ethical standards in governance.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
