Don't be quick to 'stone' Egonga, Equatorial Guinea's casanova

The National Financial Investigation Agency Director Baltasar Ebang Engonga, is seen in flagrante with various partners including the wives of prominent officials at his office in the Finance Ministry. [Courtesy, X]

The recent scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga in Equatorial Guinea has generated considerable public attention and reaction, not only in Africa but also globally. With video footage showing his involvement with hundreds of women, there has been widespread condemnation of his actions. However, before we rush to judge him, we must reflect on the deeper societal issues that this incident exposes.

In a typical human reaction, Baltasar, who is not only a prominent figure in Equatorial Guinea but also the head of the National Financial Investigation Agency, has remained silent regarding the allegations against him. But who would not? Instead, he continues to talk about the importance of family in his public statements. It is at this point, and in light of this that we must ask ourselves what God’s message is for those in such a situation.

Sexual impropriety, deception, and hidden desires are not new, but the public exposure of such actions makes this situation unique. We often judge others’ failings, but how often do we reflect on our own hidden sins? The Bible warns against the “holier-than-thou” attitude of self-righteousness, as seen in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). Just as the Pharisee proudly prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men,” Engonga’s scandal prompts others to say, “I thank God I’m not like Engonga!” It’s easy to condemn visible flaws in others but harder to confront our own imperfections.

The Egonga scandal has made various people to conclude that marriage no longer guarantees loyalty or insulates against infidelity. Some argue that today, people readily abandon their morals in pursuit of wealth and luxury, especially when faced with enticing desires for money. Meanwhile, others say that people, to get something without working for it, easily make the worst compromises whenever they are tempted. Relative as it is, the one fleeting thing about money and wealth is that it creates the feeling of “the grass is greener on the other side,” which leads people to cheat on their loved ones without pity or regret.

The scandal also brings to fore a growing moral decay in society. There is a fine line between personal freedom and lawlessness, between individual rights and societal morality. Engonga’s actions may have shocked us, but how much of it is reflective of a society that has normalised such behaviour? In a world that increasingly celebrates unrestricted self-expression, the role of moral restraint has become unclear.

Moreover, the scandal serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of self-righteousness. Many who are quick to condemn forget that they, too, are vulnerable to temptation. The Bible reminds us not to look down on others for their sins, as all of us are in need of God’s grace (Romans 3:23).

While this scandal is unfortunate, it offers a moment to reflect on an underlying issue: The moral decline that our world faces. We have all sinned, whether in thought, word, or deed. Wouldn’t it be awkward if everyone knew the private sins we all keep hidden? This should humble us and prompt us to show more compassion rather than judgment.

Engonga’s scandal has laid bare the infidelities occurring within our circles of relatives, friends, and colleagues, exposing a series of betrayals involving spouses. It reveals how those we trust as soul friends, cousins, blood relatives, spiritual and community leaders, have emotionally and physically engaged with our spouses, parents, and siblings, which exposes the depth of the deception in our society. This scandal serves as a harsh reminder of the fragility of trust and the devastating effects of neglecting one’s partner.

This scandal calls for reflection and repentance. Just as Christ showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery, urging her to “go and sin no more,” we are reminded to approach sin with humility and compassion. We, too, are urged to show mercy while promoting righteousness. This moment invites us to examine our own lives—are there hidden sins that we need to confront? Are we living in line with the values we profess whether in public or private? It is time to seek forgiveness not only for ourselves but also for a society that has strayed from its moral foundations.

In returning to values that uphold accountability, love, and self-restraint, we find true freedom—not in indulging every desire but in choosing to live honourably before God and others. While Egonga and others involved in the scandal are not beyond redemption, this moment calls us all to recognise our need for God’s grace, offering us an opportunity to re-align ourselves with what truly matters in life and relationships.

When we encounter such scandals, we must humbly reflect on the words of Christ, “remove first the log in your eye,” embrace compassion over condemnation, and love over judgment. Let this scandal prompt us to look inward and examine our own hearts. In doing so, we can begin to restore the moral and spiritual values that bind our society together.

We need to keep in mind that though our acts remain discrete or unexposed, God sees them and will make bear on judgment day. The revelation of the unfortunate incident of Egonga and the hundreds of women is a reminder for us to humble ourselves and seek God’s wisdom to lead lives that reflect His honour in all we do. Instead of casting stones, let us encourage and build each other up, embodying the love and mercy of Christ.

This scandal should not merely cause condemnation, it should also lead to self-reflection. It serves as a mirror, revealing the moral crisis that we all face. It is easy to judge others, but Christ calls us to a higher standard—one of humility, introspection, and compassion. We must seize this moment to repent, renew, and rebuild the moral fabric of our society, beginning with our individual selves then families and other relations.