A 36-year-old Catholic priest known for his peace initiatives in the Central African Republic was killed by gunmen just one day after baptizing 175 people.
Father Crépin Martial Monga, vicar of St. John the Baptist Parish in Zémio in the Diocese of Bangassou, was shot dead on Monday, June 29, as he returned to the parish residence.
ACI Africa reports that the attack occurred around 6:40 p.m. local time on the road linking a checkpoint of the Central African Armed Forces to the rectory.
Armed men opened fire on his vehicle; Father Monga was hit in the head and died instantly.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the killing, and authorities have not named any suspects. Human rights advocates cited by ACI Africa have urged the government to protect civilians and to ensure a thorough investigation.
One day before: 175 baptisms, mostly displaced people
According to ACI Africa, just hours before his death, Father Monga was fully immersed in pastoral work.
On Sunday, June 28, he administered the sacrament of baptism to 175 candidates — including 160 displaced Christians from his parish who had been temporarily accommodated in Zapay from June 27–29 because of ongoing violence.
The next morning, June 29, he accompanied the newly baptized
