Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, Curate of St. John the Baptist Zémio Parish of Bangassou Diocese, was killed in the evening of Monday, June 29

A Catholic Priest serving in the Diocese of Bangassou was shot dead in an armed attack in eastern Central African Republic (CAR), while a parishioner accompanying him was seriously wounded.

Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, Curate of St. John the Baptist Zémio Parish of Bangassou Diocese, was killed in the evening of Monday, June 29, as he returned to the presbytery. 

According to local and diocesan sources, the attack occurred around 6:43 p.m. on the road linking a checkpoint of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) to the parish residence.

He was struck in the head and died instantly. A female parishioner traveling with him was also hit by a bullet in the neck. She was rushed to the hospital in Zémio, where she remains under intensive care. 

Medical personnel say her condition is critical and she may require evacuation to a better-equipped facility.

Authorities have not yet identified those responsible for the attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. The circumstances and motives remain unclear as investigations continue.

Bishop Aurelio Gazzera of Bangassou paid tribute to the slain Priest, highlighting his commitment to peace.

“This is a tremendous loss for the local community and for the Diocese of Bangassou,” he said.

Bishop Gazzera praised the Priest’s constant commitment to peace and reconciliation in the region.

He noted that at the time of his statement, gunfire was still being heard in Zémio, a volatile security situation that currently makes it difficult to gather precise information on the exact circumstances of the tragedy.

Beyond his pastoral ministry, Fr. Monga was actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts in the region. He served on the Local Committee for Peace and Reconciliation (CLPR), working to promote dialogue, social cohesion, and reconciliation among communities affected by conflict.

He was widely known as a man of peace rather than violence, unarmed, without protection, and committed entirely to his pastoral mission. His “weapons,” as described by those who knew him, were the Bible and the Rosary, and his mission was to serve communities affected by prolonged instability.

Serving in the conflict-affected Zémio region, he was recognized for his closeness to the people, his kindness, and his dedication to families facing hardship.

Only hours before his death, Fr. Monga was still actively engaged in pastoral care. On June 28, he administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 175 candidates, including 160 displaced Christians from his parish who had been accommodated in Zapay from June 27 to 29. 

On the morning of June 29, he accompanied the newly baptized to the banks of the Mbomou River before returning with them—his final pastoral act before the attack that evening.

The funeral of Fr. Monga is scheduled to take place today, July 1st, at St. Peter Claver Cathedral of Bangassou Diocese.

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Pelayan Atasan Tertinggi / Most High Servant,
Yesus, Maria, Yusuf Pelayanan Kasih / Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)

My vocation is Blessed and Saints.

"I am the most humble of all the Saints in Heaven" Mary, Mother of God."

"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me."

Mother Mary is the most humble Saint in Heaven and she is also the Mother of God for us all
(Luke 1:38)