Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar Engonga Appears in Court After 10 Months in Detention as Corruption Trial Resumes

Viral media personality and former top government official, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has reappeared before a court in Malabo, marking a critical phase in his ongoing high-profile corruption trial after spending ten months in detention.

Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been held at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024. He now faces multiple corruption-related charges, including embezzlement, unlawful enrichment, and abuse of power.

Prosecutors Demand 18-Year Sentence

During Monday’s proceedings, state prosecutors outlined what they described as a “sophisticated scheme” in which public funds were allegedly siphoned for personal use. The scheme is believed to have taken place during Engonga’s tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) between 2015 and 2020.

According to reports from Le Bled Parle, the national prosecutor is seeking a combined 18-year prison sentence:

• 8 years for embezzlement
• 4 years, 5 months for unlawful enrichment
• 6 years, 1 day for abuse of power

In addition to prison time, prosecutors are recommending a fine exceeding 910 million CFA francs (roughly $1.5 million USD) and a ban on holding any public office during the sentence.

Widening Corruption Probe

Engonga is one of seven former senior officials standing trial in what authorities have described as a large-scale corruption ring. Others facing charges include Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.

The court proceedings are expected to continue over three days, with the defence team currently presenting their arguments. Engonga’s lawyers have dismissed the case as politically motivated, casting doubt on the credibility of the evidence presented by the prosecution.

A verdict is expected within days, potentially concluding one of the most closely watched corruption trials in Equatorial Guinea in recent years.