Catholic journalist murdered in Democratic Republic of Congo eulogized as ‘man of peace’

ACI Africa, Oct 4, 2024 / 14:45 pm (CNA).

A Catholic journalist in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is being remembered as a man of peace after he was murdered on Sept. 27 in the Ndosho district of Goma. Edmond Bahati Mbarushimana was shot at close range on his way home from work.

During the Oct. 1 funeral Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral for the late Radio Maria Goma journalist, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele of the Goma Diocese said: “I came to know Edmond through Radio Maria as a man of peace, a self-effacing man and a faithful servant, committed and conscientious in everything he did.”

“It’s hard to understand why such a man would be murdered,” Ngumbi said. “I don’t think the most important thing today is to look for answers to all the questions we ask ourselves, but I think the most important thing is to turn to the Lord in communion with all those who mourn Edmond.”

On Sept. 30, authorities arrested 35 individuals in connection with the murder. Among those detained were the alleged killers. The suspects were presented to the mayor of Goma on the same day.

“Mr. Mayor, we present the results of the investigation conducted by the intelligence service of the 34th military region immediately following the murder of the Radio Maria journalist. Our forces have identified the perpetrators, including both the primary and accomplice, who now stand before you,” said Lt. Col. Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, spokesman for the Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) in North Kivu.

One of the suspects admitted to the press that he was paid $5 to carry out the journalist’s murder.

In his homily, Ngumbi called on the local authorities to shed more light on the case, urging the faithful not to harbor feelings of hatred.

“We must pray for the conversion of the murderers. We must not harbor feelings of hatred toward them. Hatred must never win our hearts. Nor any feeling of revenge,” said Ngumbi, a member of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers).

He added: “We can only pray for their conversion, that they learn to be responsible men, committed to building a world of peace, justice, and brotherhood.”

In his eulogy during the Mass, the editor-in-chief of Radio Maria Goma, Father Adeodatus Muhigi, said: “It’s painful and unacceptable to lose a dynamic agent, concerned and full of initiatives for the development of our radio and the well-being of his colleagues and volunteers.”

“We call on the political and military authorities to take their responsibility seriously and ensure the safety of the population. Otherwise, we risk dying like animals being led to the slaughterhouse,” Muhigi added.

“For his dignity and the eternal rest we sincerely wish for him, we are doing our utmost to ensure that his name is not associated with any form of political exploitation.”

Muhigi described Bahati as a man dedicated to his faith and the mission of the radio station.

“We must therefore honor his beliefs and commitment, which have always distinguished him as a voice for the Virgin Mary,” the Congolese priest said.

Bahati was laid to rest in his hometown, Rutshuru, on Wednesday. He leaves behind a wife and three children, the youngest only 10 days old.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.