Former minister Baltasar Engonga, popularly known as “Bello,” has been sentenced to prison for 8 years after being involved in a messy scandal.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, August 27, brings to a close a long-running investigation into allegations that Engonga diverted money meant for professional travel expenses into his personal accounts.
The court found that during his tenure in government, Engonga orchestrated a scheme that drained millions from public coffers, betraying the trust placed in him as a senior official. His conviction has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, marking the downfall of a once-powerful figure who wielded significant influence within government circles.
Beyond the financial scandal, Engonga’s career has also been marred by allegations of sexual misconduct. Several women previously accused him of exploiting his position for sexual favors, sparking a national outcry and tarnishing his image even before the embezzlement case reached trial. The sex scandal fueled calls for his resignation, and though he initially denied any wrongdoing, the public backlash severely damaged his credibility.
Analysts say the twin scandals—embezzlement and sexual misconduct—paint a picture of systemic abuse of power and lack of accountability at the highest levels of government. His sentencing is being hailed by rights groups as a step toward justice, though critics argue that others implicated in similar cases remain untouched.
Engonga’s conviction closes a dramatic chapter in the nation’s political history, but it leaves lingering questions about corruption, morality, and leadership in public office.
