Egonga, a former high-ranking finance official, was accused of diverting millions of dollars meant for public projects into private accounts. The court not only handed him a custodial sentence but also ordered him to repay the embezzled funds. He is further barred from holding public office after serving his jail term.
The judgment is being viewed as one of the most significant anti-corruption rulings in Equatorial Guinea’s recent history. International watchdogs and rights organizations have long criticized the government for failing to address systemic graft, which they argue has hindered development in the oil-rich Central African nation.
Prosecutors told the court that Egonga’s actions deprived citizens of essential services, including infrastructure and social welfare programmes. While Egonga maintained his innocence throughout the trial, the panel of judges ruled that the evidence presented demonstrated clear misuse of state resources.
Analysts say the case could mark a turning point in the country’s approach to corruption if consistently enforced. However, they also caution that accountability must extend beyond individual cases to create lasting institutional reform.
Equatorial Guinea, Africa’s third-largest oil producer, continues to face criticism for stark inequality, with vast energy revenues enriching a small elite while many citizens live in poverty. The conviction of Egonga, observers note, may signal growing pressure on the government to demonstrate a tougher stance against graft both at home and abroad.
Officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the ruling.
