Goma: Two days after his abduction in July 2007, the lifeless body of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was discovered outside a university campus in Goma, located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 26-year-old, a devout Catholic and new customs official, was brutally murdered for his steadfast refusal to accept bribes, a stance he maintained just three months into his role.
According to BBC, Kositi’s unwavering faith guided his actions in a region where corruption is rampant. Despite offers from smugglers to allow the entry of spoiled rice from Rwanda—a consignment that could have been lethal if consumed—Kositi declined bribes that escalated from $1,000 to $2,000 and beyond. The Catholic community of Sant’Egidio, of which he was a member, reported that even public authorities pressured him to accept the bribes.
In recognition of his sacrifice, the Catholic Church declared Kositi a martyr last year, a significant step towards sainthood. His beatification was celebrated in Rome last month, marking a swift progression in the canonization process, which often spans decades or centuries unless expedited by the Church due to martyrdom.
Kositi’s early life in Goma, where he was born in 1981, was marked by academic excellence and a deep curiosity about the world. His mother, Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, recounted to UN-sponsored Radio Okapi her hopes for her son to have a bright future. During his university years, a pivotal student conference in Rwanda, where he encountered the Sant’Egidio community, inspired him to dedicate himself to social service.
In Goma, Kositi’s efforts focused on aiding street children, particularly through the Sant’Egidio “Schools of Peace,” which provided education and essential support. His commitment extended beyond DR Congo’s borders, fostering friendships and shared dreams of peace with peers in Rwanda.
In April 2007, Kositi assumed a senior customs post at the Rwanda-DR Congo border. His determination to ensure public safety, evident in his decision to destroy a potentially harmful rice shipment, led to repeated threats from smugglers. His refusal to compromise on his Christian principles ultimately cost him his life.
Kositi’s legacy was honored by Pope Francis during a visit to DR Congo in February 2023, where he urged young people to emulate Kositi’s integrity and resistance to corruption. Pope Leo XIV, who officiated Kositi’s beatification, highlighted the young martyr’s potential to inspire peace in Africa’s youth.
As Goma continues to grapple with conflict, the memory of Floribert Kositi as a beacon of hope and justice endures. His story, celebrated by the Congolese faithful, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and integrity in the face of adversity.