GOMA, Congo – In 2007, Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi faced a challenging decision when he was urged to permit the transport of spoiled rice from Rwanda to Goma, a city in eastern Congo. A government employee, he understood the dangers of opposing corruption but chose to stand firm against the unethical request, which ultimately led to his kidnapping. After several days, his colleagues at the Office Congolais de Contrôle discovered his lifeless body. Nearly two decades later, Kositi is receiving recognition in both Congo and beyond, particularly after Pope Francis recently approved his beatification, marking a significant step towards potential sainthood—the first for someone from Congo.
The ongoing struggles in Goma, a city that has experienced significant conflict and corruption, have led to Kositi being honored as a martyr. His legacy provides some comfort for those mourning his loss. “Floribert was murdered in very difficult circumstances,” reflected Yack’s Jean Jacques, a former colleague. Jacques recalled the horrifying state of Kositi’s body during their search for him. He emphasized Kositi’s enduring message: “He left us a fight that we must all continue as Christians, as people, as young people in the province of North Kivu,” where Kositi lived most of his 25 years.
Pope Francis recognized Kositi as a martyr late last year, aligning this designation with his broader understanding of martyrdom as a social justice issue. This recognition opens the door for others killed in the pursuit of righteousness to be considered for sainthood. The Rev. Francesco Tedeschi, an Italian priest leading the beatification process, explained that the Vatican’s acknowledgment confirms Kositi died due to hatred for his faith, stemming from his refusal to accept spoiled food, a decision deeply rooted in Gospel principles.
“How much spoiled food, how much expired medicine, how many discarded things are sent to these places because there is this conception that these lives there aren’t as worthy?” Tedeschi lamented, highlighting the disparity faced by impoverished communities. Floribert aimed to uplift the dignity of those most vulnerable and put their lives at the forefront of his decisions. Tedeschi, who worked alongside Kositi through the Sant’Egidio Community, believes Kositi serves as an inspiring example for the youth in Congo, a nation plagued by poverty and corruption, where over 70% of the population is estimated to survive on less than $2.15 daily as per the World Bank.
Kositi “could have earned a lot of money and made a nice life. Instead, he chose to be a witness to the Gospel,” stated Tedeschi, reflecting on Kositi’s principled stand against corruption. Historical context shows that martyrs were often those who refused to bow to false idols; for Kositi, this was the idol of money. While Kositi may be on track to become the first saint from Congo, he is joining a line of others who have been beatified prior. A crucial step before his potential canonization is for the Vatican to confirm a miracle attributed to his intercession, a process that can extend over many years.
Kositi’s mother, Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, expressed relief and pride in December when a memorial Mass was held in his honor at the Catholic parish of Sainte-Esprit in Goma, stating, “We feel relieved today to see that our son has been recognized worldwide for the benefits he has brought.” The Mass was a gathering of family members, friends, and community supporters who shared memories of Kositi, deriving lessons from his anti-corruption efforts and drawing inspiration from his martyrdom.
During the commemoration, Abbé Jean Baptiste Bahati, a Catholic priest, declared, “We can have saints here, we can have blessed people here in Goma; it’s not impossible.” The declaration of martyrdom simplifies the beatification process, allowing those recognized as martyrs to bypass the typical requirement of a miracle being attributed to them before beatification can take place.
Several individuals have received similar martyr designations in recent years. These include Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was killed due to his vocal opposition against the repression of the poor during the civil war, and St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who sacrificed his life for a married man during World War II. They all share a commitment to social justice for the marginalized and oppressed.
Pope Francis emphasized this vital ethos during his visit to Congo in 2023, urging the populace to emulate Kositi’s admirable qualities. “He could easily have turned a blind eye; nobody would have found out, and he might even have gotten ahead as a result,” the pope noted. “But since he was a Christian, he prayed. He thought of others and he chose to be honest, saying no to the filth of corruption.”
The legacy of Kositi continues to live on through the Floribert Bwana Chui School of Peace in Goma, established in his name. This institution aims to promote the social justice and welfare ideals he championed, providing care for hundreds of children displaced or orphaned due to the ongoing conflicts. Aline Minani, part of the Sant’Egidio community that manages the school, noted, “Floribert is an example. Through this school, we continue to live and pass on Floribert’s values to these children.”
