The story of Floribert Bwana Chui, a young Congolese customs officer, is the story of a man assassinated for not having succumbed to corruption.1 Looking at his life and death helps us to understand new forms of martyrdom: this is a silent sacrifice far from the interest of the media that disturbs the social and political life of those countries where corruption has become endemic.
This was repeated by Pope Francis during his trip to Africa in 2015 when a young woman asked him, “Can corruption be justified by the fact that everyone is corrupt? How can we be Christians and fight the evil of corruption?” In reply, the Pope stated, “Corruption is something that enters inside us. It is like sugar … Every time that we accept a bribe, it destroys our heart and our country … As in all things, we must begin. If you don’t want corruption, begin now! If you do not begin, neither will your neighbor.”
While talking with the youth during the visit, he added, “Boys and girls, corruption is not a way of life, it is a way of death!”2
Who was Floribert?
Roberto De Palma recounts Floribert Bwana Chui bin Kositi’s life through the tortuous events of contemporary Congo. His is a brief story filled with faith that took place in a land rich with humanity and scenically beautiful, but politically complex and troubled.
Floribert was born on June 13, 1981, in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering Rwanda. He grew up during a time that knew no peace as a result of two recent bloody wars. He ended up being killed in Goma on July 7, 2007, for having blocked the passage of rotting food that would have been harmful to the health of the population. He was only 26 years old when he died. This article is reserved for paid subscribers. Please subscribe to continue reading this article
Subscribe
The most respected digital Catholic journal from Rome. A must-read on all the present issues alive in the Church. Discover top Church scholars interpreting the history, politics, culture, science and art in the light of the Christian faith.
© Union of Catholic Asian News 2023 | All Rights Reserved.
Except for any fair dealing permitted under the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance, no part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission.
