GOMA, Congo — In 2007, Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi found himself at a crossroads when he was asked to facilitate the illegal transport of spoiled rice from Rwanda into Goma, a city in eastern Congo. As a government employee, he understood the dangers of opposing corruption, yet he chose to stand firm and refuse the request. His courageous decision led to tragic consequences; soon after rejecting the offer, he was kidnapped, and his lifeless body was later discovered by his colleagues at the Office Congolais de Contrôle, the agency responsible for ensuring product safety. Today, almost two decades after his death, Kositi is being honored as a martyr following Pope Francis’ approval of his beatification, which is a significant step toward sainthood—a status that has yet to be granted to anyone from Congo.
In Goma, a region stricken by years of conflict and rampant corruption, Kositi’s recognition is providing solace amidst ongoing struggles. “Floribert was murdered under very trying circumstances,” reflected Yack’s Jean Jacques, his former coworker. Jacques recounted the horrifying wounds found on Kositi’s body during their search for him. He emphasized the importance of continuing Kositi’s legacy of integrity, urging young people in North Kivu—a province deeply affected by violence—to emulate his resistance against corruption.
The Pope recognized Kositi as a martyr late last year, framing it within a broader context that sees martyrdom as a concept linked to social justice. This recognition allows for others who have perished while serving a divine purpose to also be considered for sainthood. Rev. Francesco Tedeschi, an Italian priest advocating for Kositi’s beatification, emphasized that the Vatican’s declaration acknowledges that Kositi was slain due to his strong Christian convictions, specifically his refusal to accept tainted food that would undermine the dignity of lives in need.
“How much expired food and useless goods are sent to impoverished areas simply because those lives are perceived as less valuable?” Tedeschi questioned. He pointed out that Kositi’s actions were motivated by Christian values and a desire to uplift those who are most vulnerable. Tedeschi, who collaborated with Kositi through the Sant’Egidio Community, stressed that Kositi serves as a role model for the youth of Congo, particularly in a society where corruption is prevalent, with about 70% of the population subsisting on less than $2.15 a day as of 2024, according to World Bank data.
Kositi could have chosen a life of comfort, accumulating wealth and security, but he opted instead to embody the teachings of the Gospel. “In the past, the Church reverenced martyrs who stood against idolatry, but Kositi faced the idol of money,” Tedeschi remarked. He pointed out that while Kositi may be on the path to becoming the first recognized saint from Congo, there are several others who have been beatified prior to him. After his beatification, however, a miracle attributed to his intercession must be confirmed by the Vatican before he can be canonized, a process that often takes many years or even decades.
“Our hearts are lighter seeing our son being acknowledged internationally,” expressed Kositi’s mother, Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, during a memorial Mass held in Goma. This event drew family, friends, and community members together, allowing them to share memories and draw inspiration from Kositi’s steadfast fight against corruption. Priest Abbé Jean Baptiste Bahati, who officiated the commemoration, noted the possibility of having saints and blessed figures emerging from Goma.
Being acknowledged as a martyr allows Kositi to bypass the typical miracle requirement for beatification, thus expediting the initial step toward sainthood. Several individuals, like El Salvador’s Archbishop Oscar Romero and Polish St. Maximilian Kolbe, have been honored for their lives sacrificed in the name of the marginalized. Their shared narrative reflects the quest for social equity.
This ethos was echoed by Pope Francis during his visit to Congo in 2023, where he praised Kositi’s bravery, highlighting how he could have easily succumbed to corruption but instead chose the path of honesty and concern for others. “He prayed and chose to reject the filth of corruption,” the pope stated, showcasing Kositi’s integrity.
The lessons of Kositi continue to thrive at the Floribert Bwana Chui School of Peace in Goma, established in his honor. The institution focuses on promoting social justice and welfare, aiming to support the hundreds of children impacted by war. “Floribert represents a beacon of hope,” noted Aline Minani, a member of the Sant’Egidio lay community that manages the school. “Through this educational endeavor, we are dedicated to instilling and passing on Floribert’s principles to these youngsters.”
