Mr Engonga had previously been remanded on charges of embezzlement of public funds, and videos of him surfaced on social media, prompting his suspension while investigation is being conducted.
Real Equatorial Guinea, a newspaper in the country, reported that President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo had ordered the dismissal of Mr Balthasar, the son of Balthasar Engongo Edjo, who is the current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, the dismissal cites alleged misconduct by Balthasar in office, as well as family and social behaviour issues deemed incompatible with public service.
In a related development, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea has directed the country’s telecommunications companies to limit the distribution of pornographic videos to mitigate harm to affected families.
These restrictions are reportedly preventing citizens from downloading and sharing multimedia files over mobile data on WhatsApp, which has caused widespread frustration among users who are unable to share photos, videos, or audio.
As a result, many have been forced to rely solely on WiFi connections for such exchanges.
He also ordered an investigation to clarify the facts and hold those involved in the viral video accountable. Additionally, surveillance cameras will be installed in all state agency offices, as ordered by the vice president.
Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea’s chief prosecutor, Anatolio Nzang Nguema, reassured citizens that medical tests have been conducted.
If the accused is confirmed to have a sexually transmitted disease, he would face prosecution for endangering public health.
