Priest Crépin Martial Monga, parish priest of Saint John the Baptist in Zémio, in the diocese of Bangassou (Central African Republic), was murdered on June 29 after being shot while returning to the parish house. A parishioner who was accompanying him was also seriously wounded in the attack, and her life remains in danger.
According to local and diocesan sources, the attack occurred around 6:43 p.m. on the road connecting a checkpoint of the Central African Armed Forces with the parish residence. The priest was shot in the head and died instantly, while the woman traveling with him was hit in the neck and remains hospitalized in critical condition at the Zémio hospital.
So far, authorities have not identified the perpetrators of the attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. The investigation remains open to clarify the circumstances and motive of the crime.
The bishop laments the loss of a priest committed to peace
The bishop of Bangassou, Bishop Aurelio Gazzera, expressed his sorrow over the priest’s death and described the incident as “an immense loss for the local community and for the diocese of Bangassou.”
The prelate highlighted Father Monga’s constant commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in one of the most unstable regions of the country. At the time of issuing his statement, he explained, gunshots could still be heard in Zémio, making it difficult to obtain precise information about what had happened.
In addition to his pastoral work, the priest was a member of the Local Committee for Peace and Reconciliation, from which he promoted dialogue and coexistence initiatives among communities affected by years of violence.
His final pastoral service
Father Monga was known for his closeness to the population and for his dedication to families living in an area marked by armed conflict. Those who knew him describe him as a priest wholly devoted to his ministry, whose only “weapon” was the Gospel.
Just hours before his death, he had presided over an intense day of pastoral ministry. On June 28, he administered the sacrament of Baptism to 175 people, including 160 displaced Christians belonging to his parish. The following morning, he accompanied the newly baptized to the banks of the Mbomou River before returning with them to Zémio, in what would turn out to be his final pastoral act.
The priest’s funeral was held on July 1 at the Cathedral of Saint Peter Claver in Bangassou.