By Nchumbonga George Lekelefac, International Advocate for the Oppressed; Voice of the Voiceless; Defender of the Defenseless and of Fundamental Human Rights; the Rivivalist, Elucidator and Revolutionist Canon Lawyer/Jurist; Friend to the Vulnerable and a lover of no Oppressor/Tyrant. Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Our Motto: “Not merely to recount what has been, but to share in moulding what should be.” « Ne pas se contenter de relater ce qui a été, mais contribuer à modeler ce qui devrait être. » (Prof. Dr. Bernard Nsokika Fonlon, editor of the Cameroon Cultural Review, Abbia, 1960-1980)
Dear married couples worldwide:
“Faithfulness in marriage is not just about avoiding the consequences of infidelity; it’s about embracing the profound rewards that come from a committed and loving partnership.”
Background
A significant number of videos—estimates suggest between 150 and over 400—flooded social media, depicting a high-ranking civil servant, Mr. Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a married man with 6 children, engaging in sexual acts in his office and various other locations with multiple women. These videos inundated social media platforms, eliciting shock and intrigue among the populace of this small Central African nation and beyond. Notably, many of the women featured in the recordings were spouses and relatives of individuals closely associated with the political elite. It seems that some of these women were aware that they were being recorded while engaging in sexual activities with Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who is colloquially referred to as “Bello”, a Spanish word for “handsome” due to his attractive appearance. Verification of these claims has had challenging, as Equatorial Guinea operates under stringent restrictions where a free press is nonexistent. One prevailing theory suggests that the leaks were orchestrated to undermine the reputation of the individual at the center of this controversy. Mr. Engonga is the nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and was considered a potential successor to the presidency. Obiang, who has held the title of the world’s longest-serving president since 1979, has presided over an economic transformation that has recently deteriorated due to the decline of oil reserves.
The government of Equatorial Guinea has adopted a decisive approach in response to the scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga. The government has initiated a rigorous response. Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue announced a series of measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, which include the installation of surveillance cameras in government facilities and the enhancement of security protocols. Those officials featured in the videos have been suspended, although their identities remain undisclosed. Additionally, the government has reprimanded security personnel for their failure to avert the situation. This scandal has considerably affected the nation’s reputation, prompting the government to take action against the online dissemination of the videos. The First Lady, Constancia Mangue Obiang voiced her concerns regarding the impact of the scandal on women’s dignity and has called for prompt government action to protect their privacy and honor. As the situation continues to evolve, the government is diligently working to manage the repercussions and prevent future incidents. Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who served as the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, was apprehended on November 5, 2024.
This open letter to you is aimed at enlightening you on the consequences of infidelity in marriage. Many have called Baltasar Ebang Engonga a hero for sleeping with many women despite the fact that he is a married man but is Baltasar Ebang Engonga really a hero? Is a hero an unfaithful person? As educators and parents, we need to clearly state that unfaithfulness and infidelity in marriage has enduring consequences as we have seen in the life of Baltasar Ebang Engonga. I would like to enlighten you on those enduring negative consequences:
Consequences of unfaithfulness and infidelity in marriage
Infidelity can significantly affect both relationships and the individuals involved, often leading to severe consequences as we have seen in the life of Baltasar Ebang Engonga. The following are some potential repercussions:
First of all, Emotional Turmoil: The experience of betrayal can evoke strong emotions such as anger, sadness, depression, and anxiety. The betrayed partner may endure profound feelings of loss and mourning as Baltasar Ebang Engonga is presently experiencing in jail.
Secondly, Erosion of Trust: The breach of trust fundamentally undermines the relationship, making it challenging for the affected individual to trust their partner or others in the future.
Thirdly, Strain on the Relationship: The relationship may experience heightened conflicts, communication failures, and a decline in intimacy. Restoring the relationship necessitates considerable effort, time, and frequently, professional assistance.
Fourthly, Diminished Self-Worth: Infidelity can result in feelings of inadequacy and a decrease in self-esteem, as the betrayed partner may begin to question their own value and desirability.
Fifthly, Family Impact: In cases where children are involved, the repercussions of infidelity can extend to the family unit, causing emotional distress for the children and fostering a strained home atmosphere. Baltasar Ebang Engonga had 6 children. It is no fact that scandal by Baltasar Ebang Engonga will be an enduring pain to the 6 children.
Furthermore, Health Complications: The stress and emotional upheaval stemming from infidelity can lead to physical health issues, including headaches, sleep disturbances, and alterations in appetite. In addition, infidelity elevates the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for both individuals involved. When one partner participates in sexual encounters outside the committed relationship, they may come into contact with STIs, which can subsequently be passed on to their primary partner. This risk is further amplified if the infidelity includes multiple partners or occurs without the use of protection as was the case of Baltasar Ebang Engonga.
Moreover, Legal and Financial Ramifications: Should the couple choose to separate or divorce, there may be significant legal and financial consequences, including asset division and custody arrangements.
Finally, Infidelity can profoundly affect families, often resulting in significant emotional turmoil, erosion of trust, and breakdowns in communication. These factors can place immense strain on relationships, pushing them to their limits. When children are involved, they may face confusion, anxiety, and a feeling of insecurity. The consequences of unfaithfulness can reverberate throughout the family unit, complicating efforts to restore trust and achieve a sense of harmony as is the case of Baltasar Ebang Engonga.
Advantages of faithfulness in marriage
Faithfulness in marriage provides a multitude of advantages that enhance the quality of a joyful and healthy partnership:
- Trust and Security: Maintaining fidelity establishes a robust foundation of trust and security, which is vital for any enduring relationship. This trust allows both partners to feel safe and appreciated, thereby cultivating a more profound emotional connection.
- Emotional Intimacy: When both individuals are dedicated and loyal, it fosters emotional intimacy and closeness. Sharing life’s challenges, aspirations, and fears with one another fortifies the relationship and instills a sense of companionship.
- Mutual Respect: Loyalty signifies respect for both your partner and the relationship itself. It demonstrates that you value and uphold your commitments, which can help sustain a healthy and respectful interaction.
- Stability for the Family: For couples with children, fidelity sets a constructive example and creates a stable, secure atmosphere. It helps children feel safe and teaches them the significance of trust and commitment in relationships.
- Reduced Stress: The assurance of a faithful partner can alleviate stress and anxiety. It removes concerns regarding infidelity and the potential issues that may arise, allowing both partners to concentrate on nurturing their relationship.
- Personal Growth: Being faithful necessitates honesty, communication, and a readiness to navigate challenges together. These attributes can encourage personal development and self-awareness, enhancing both your role as a partner and your individual character.
- Long-Term Happiness: Couples who remain loyal and committed to one another frequently experience greater long-term happiness and satisfaction in their relationship. Faithfulness nurtures a sense of unity and shared purpose, contributing to overall well-being.
Conclusion
Maintaining fidelity extends beyond merely evading adverse outcomes; it involves cultivating a loving, supportive, and transparent relationship capable of enduring the trials of time. Should you encounter difficulties within your relationship, pursuing professional assistance such as counseling or therapy from experts may serve as a beneficial approach to addressing concerns and fortifying your connection. In summary, faithfulness serves as a fundamental element of a strong and loving marriage. It cultivates trust, enhances emotional intimacy, and establishes a stable and supportive environment for both partners and their family. The case Baltasar Ebang Engonga clearly demonstrates that unfaithfulness in marriage has lasting negative consequences and therefore should be avoided at all cost.
And believe me to be, most unpretentiously, most reverentially, most prayerfully and most dutifully yours in Christ.
Nchumbonga George Lekelefac, B.Phil.(Mexico); S.T.B. (Rome); J.C.L./M.C.L. (Ottawa), Diploma in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Dutch; International
Advocate for the Oppressed; Voice of the Voiceless; Defender of the Defenseless and of Fundamental Human Rights; the Rivivalist, Elucidator and Revolutionist Canon Lawyer/Jurist; Friend to the Vulnerable and a lover of no Oppressor/Tyrant; International Language Tutor of Latin, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and German; Doctorandus, University of Münster, Germany; Europe/ US Chief Correspondent of “The Sun Newspaper” in Cameroon; The “Herald Tribune” in Cameroon; and “The Horizon Newspaper” in Cameroon; Catholic Media Influencer and Whistle blower; Canon Law Lawyer/Jurist and Researcher; Veteran Contributor on Social Media on Theological and Canonical Enlightenment and Arguments; Founder/ CEO of the “Nchumbonga Lekelefac Institute of Research, Documentation, Language and Culture, USA;” Canon Law Jurist/lawyer of the International League for the Defense of Priests’ Rights, Religious men and women of the Roman Catholic Church (LIDDPRRECR), Paris-France and Representative in North and South America; Member of the Canadian Canon Law Society, Ottawa, Canada; Biographer of Bishop Jerome Feudjio, 6th Diocesan Bishop of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and First African Native Bishop in the United States of America from Cameroon, Africa.
My Signature: Nchumbonga George Lekelefac
Email: nchumbong@yahoo.com
“Omnia possumus in Deo qui nos confortat.” (We can do all in God who strengthens us). Philippenses 4:13
Audiendum, fiendum, nuntiandum (To be heard, to be done, to be reported.)
4