Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: July 4, 2026
Today our thoughts are with the friends, family and parish of Father Crepin Martial Monga, a Roman Catholic priest who worked for peace in the Central African Republic.
On Monday evening, Father Monga was killed by gunmen near his home in Zemio, a town in the southeast of the country. Full details of the incident remain unclear.
Father Monga was known for his work to bring peace and reconciliation to the communities in Zemio. He led a local committee that had been engaged in the recent conflicts in the town.
Tensions and clashes were persistent in Zemio throughout 2025. Targeted attacks from the Azande Militia caused displacements and claimed lives — including those of UN Peacekeepers.
When over 2,000 people were displaced in December, Zemio’s Catholic Church became a source of refuge and humanitarian assistance. A significant number sought shelter in the church, while others fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
Let’s respond together in prayer — bringing this nation, this community, and all who mourn before the Prince of Peace.
- Ask the Lord to comfort all who are grieving the loss of Father Crepin Martial Monga.
- Pray that Father Monga’s death is investigated and those responsible are brought to justice.
- Give thanks for all who work for peace in CAR, including community leaders, imams, priests, pastors and UN peacekeepers. Ask God to protect and refresh them, and multiply every good work.
- Pray that the efforts of people like Father Monga will help to bring lasting peace and reconciliation, as well as accountability. Pray specifically for adequate resources to support the work.
- Ask God to protect, comfort and provide for all those displaced by violence, including in Zemio.
- Pray for CAR’s leaders as a new political chapter unfolds. A controversial amendment allowed President Touadéra to stand for re-election last year. Other candidates were restricted from campaigning in all parts of the country, while the main opposition party boycotted the election altogether.