Grief and anger have gripped the city of Goma as residents mourn the tragic loss of Balezi Jean de Dieu, known as Kibomango, a former boxing champion who dedicated his life to uplifting the youth. His death is one of the 3,000 lives claimed by the M23 rebels, leaving behind a heartbroken community struggling to come to terms with his untimely passing.
The pain of his loss is still raw, and his family remains in shock over the circumstances of his death. “There were several gunshots, and he was hit by a stray bullet that killed him. At the same time, I got a call saying my brother was dead. Despite the gunfire, I had to leave my house to understand the reason for his death, but we never learned, given the gravity of the situation,” recounted Mashara Espoir, Kibomango’s brother.
Kibomango was no ordinary man. Once a child soldier, he defied the odds and transformed his life, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope in a city plagued by violence. His journey from the battlefield to the boxing ring was nothing short of extraordinary. Instead of allowing his past to dictate his future, he used his experiences to inspire others, proving that even in the face of adversity, change was possible.
For years, he dedicated himself to helping the youth of Goma escape the cycle of violence that had entrapped so many before them. He understood the dangers of growing up in a conflict-ridden environment and made it his mission to give children a fighting chance—literally and figuratively. Through boxing, he instilled discipline, hope, and a sense of purpose in young people who might have otherwise been lost to war.
His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill. “Our brother, the champion, is gone. Now, we don’t know how we’ll find another champion like him. It will take us a long time to rebuild the club and find someone to follow in his footsteps,” said Tubasele Makambo, a fellow boxer and close friend.
Kibomango’s impact extended far beyond the boxing ring. He was a mentor, a leader, and a beacon of hope for many who had known nothing but war and hardship. His story resonated deeply with the youth, proving that with determination, they too could rise above their circumstances.
In a region where armed groups continue to terrorize communities, his death serves as yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for peace. The people of Goma have grown weary of the endless violence, the senseless killings, and the shattered dreams. They are pleading with their leaders to act before more lives are lost.
“We ask the leaders to end this war. We are suffering too much; many are left orphaned, and many others are widowed. It’s very serious, and it hurts us deeply,” said Marcellin Lufugula, reflecting the frustration felt by many.
Kibomango’s influence reached its peak in 2008 when he became the boxing champion of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was a victory that changed his life, not just because of the title, but because it reinforced his belief in the power of sports as a tool for transformation. Inspired by his own journey, he founded “Club de l’Amitié,” a boxing academy that became a refuge for street children, offering them an escape from crime, drugs, and armed groups.
The club was more than just a training ground—it was a second home for many. Kibomango was not just their coach; he was their mentor, their protector, and their inspiration. He taught them more than just how to fight; he taught them how to stand tall in the face of adversity, how to believe in themselves, and how to dream beyond the limitations imposed by war and poverty.
His students looked up to him, not just because of his achievements, but because of his unwavering commitment to their success. He never turned anyone away, no matter their background, and he never stopped believing that change was possible. His death has left them devastated, struggling to grasp the reality of losing the man who had given them hope.
As the news of his passing spreads, tributes continue to pour in from all corners of the country. Athletes, activists, and ordinary citizens alike are honoring his legacy, remembering him as a warrior both inside and outside the ring. His story has become a symbol of resilience, a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
But amid the tributes, there is also growing frustration. The people of Goma are tired of mourning their heroes, tired of burying their loved ones, and tired of waiting for peace. The demand for action has never been louder. They are calling on the government to take decisive steps to end the violence and to ensure that no more lives are lost to a conflict that has already claimed far too many.
Kibomango’s death is not just a personal loss for his family and friends; it is a loss for the entire nation. He represented the possibility of change, the promise of a brighter future. His story was proof that one person could make a difference, that even in the darkest times, there was still hope.
Now, the challenge is to keep his legacy alive. The boxing club he founded must continue to stand as a beacon of hope for the youth, ensuring that his work does not end with his passing. His students must carry forward the lessons he taught them, not just about boxing, but about perseverance, discipline, and the power of believing in oneself.
Goma has lost a champion, but his fight is not over. The people he inspired, the lives he touched, and the dreams he nurtured must now take up the mantle. In his memory, they must continue to fight—not with fists, but with determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to change.
Kibomango may be gone, but his spirit lives on in every young fighter who dares to dream, in every child who chooses a path of peace over violence, and in every voice that rises to demand a better future. His legacy is one that will never fade, and though his loss is painful, his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
