The Saint Who Died for Refusing Bribes

A Life of Faith and Courage in the Face of Corruption

Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was a 26-year-old man whose life was cut short in 2007, yet his legacy continues to inspire. Born in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his deep faith. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in the power of goodness.

Two days after being kidnapped in July 2007, his bloodied and battered body was found outside a university campus in Goma. At the time, he had only been working as a customs official for three months, a position he took on with a strong sense of integrity. He refused to accept bribes, even when faced with pressure from smugglers who sought to bring in spoiled rice from neighboring Rwanda. This act of defiance ultimately cost him his life.

Fr Francesco Tedeschi, a priest who has since campaigned for Kositi’s sainthood, described the murder as a “mafia-style” warning meant to silence anyone who dared to challenge corruption. However, the message failed. Kositi's actions, rooted in his Catholic faith, inspired others and created a lasting impact that continues to resonate today.

A Legacy of Love and Justice

Kositi’s commitment to justice was not limited to his professional life. As a member of the Catholic Sant’Egidio community, he was deeply involved in social service, particularly in helping street children. He founded one of the community’s “Schools of Peace,” which provided education and support to children affected by the ongoing conflicts in the region.

His efforts were driven by a desire to understand and address the root causes of poverty and suffering. He believed in the power of dialogue and action, often engaging in discussions about how to create a more just society. This passion led him to travel beyond the DRC, connecting with others who shared his vision for peace and change.

The Path to Sainthood

Kositi’s refusal to compromise his values eventually led to his death. After testing a shipment of rice and ordering its destruction due to safety concerns, he faced increasing pressure from smugglers, including offers of money and threats. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his beliefs, guided by his faith and a deep sense of responsibility to his fellow citizens.

The Catholic Church recognized his martyrdom, declaring him a saint in 2023. His beatification, which took place in Rome last month, marks a significant step toward sainthood. According to Catholic tradition, once a miracle is attributed to a blessed individual, they can be canonized as a saint. Kositi’s journey to sainthood has been remarkably swift, highlighting the significance of his life and death.

A Life of Promise and Tragedy

Born in 1981, Kositi came from a well-off family. His father was a bank clerk, and his mother worked as a border police officer. From a young age, he was described as intelligent, eloquent, and respectful. His mother, Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, often spoke of the bright future she saw for him.

Despite the challenges of growing up in eastern DRC, where conflict and instability are common, Kositi remained curious and determined. He excelled in school and pursued a degree in law at the University of Goma. It was during his studies that he attended a student conference in Rwanda, where he met an Italian priest who introduced him to the Sant’Egidio community. This encounter changed the course of his life, inspiring him to dedicate himself to social service and peacebuilding.

A Message of Hope

Kositi’s story is not just one of tragedy but also of hope. His actions, though brief, have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and on the communities he served. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, compassion, and courage in the face of adversity.

Pope Francis, during his visit to the DRC in 2023, spoke of Kositi’s example, urging young people to resist the temptations of corruption and to stand firm in their convictions. Pope Leo XIV, who presided over Kositi’s beatification ceremony, emphasized the role of young people in bringing about peace in Africa.

As the DRC continues to grapple with conflict and instability, the legacy of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi remains a beacon of hope. His life, though cut short, continues to inspire a new generation to work toward a more just and peaceful future.