Pastor Issan Faki is considering resigning his local charge after experiencing severe health issues following church disturbances in Bangui. Troubles occurred during a service on Sunday, April 12, 2026, leading to Pastor Faki suffering a psychological shock. He subsequently experienced a sudden rise in blood pressure and entered a coma-like state upon learning of the incidents. Pastor Faki is now seriously considering renouncing his current position to become an itinerant missionary pastor, a significant shift from his current leadership role.
Sunday Service Erupts
The contentious events unfolded during the Sunday service on April 12, 2026, in Bangui. Two musical compositions by Pastor Issan Faki, featuring harsh lyrics directed at specific church members, were played during this service. This decision immediately sparked controversy within the congregation.
A choir leader, who had previously been removed from her position as deaconess, contested the use of the music channel for these compositions. Her objection signaled a deeper discontent regarding the pastor's actions and the direction of church affairs. The president of the choir publicly supported the choir leader's stance regarding the music, lending significant weight to the opposition against the playing of Pastor Faki's songs.
Despite these clear objections from key figures within the music ministry, the choir proceeded to play Pastor Issan Faki's song during the service. As the situation escalated and tensions rose, the pastor's wife attempted to address the congregation to de-escalate the situation or offer a perspective, but she was prevented from speaking by the service leader. This intervention by the service leader further fueled the unrest. The pastor's daughter reacted with visible anger during the service as these events transpired, indicating the emotional toll the public dispute was taking on the pastor's family. The atmosphere in the church became increasingly charged, culminating in the disturbances that later impacted Pastor Faki's health.
Deepening Church Divisions
The public confrontation within the service was a symptom of deeper, long-standing divisions within the church. The choir president, a prominent figure, publicly denounced Pastor Issan Faki's management of the church, citing a series of issues that have reportedly occurred since 2019. These accusations were severe, including claims of malversations, insults, and provocations attributed directly to the pastor. This public condemnation by the choir president further noted the internal strife within the congregation, bringing simmering tensions to a boiling point.
In a direct and unequivocal challenge to the pastor's authority, the choir president also publicly called for Pastor Faki's immediate replacement. This demand shows the growing dissent among some church members regarding the current leadership and signals a significant loss of confidence in his ability to lead the congregation. The open call for his removal indicates a severe fracture in the church's leadership and membership.
The church's membership has experienced a significant decline amidst these disturbances and ongoing internal conflicts. Its current numbers are reported to be between 200 and 300 people, a substantial drop from previous attendance figures. This decrease in membership coincides directly with the increasing tensions, public disagreements, and accusations levied against the church leadership, suggesting a direct correlation between the internal strife and congregational attrition. The instability has evidently driven many members away, further weakening the church's foundation.
Pastor's Health and Future
Pastor Issan Faki was not present in Bangui when the church disturbances occurred on Sunday, April 12, 2026. He was in Yaoundé, Cameroon, at the time of the incidents. Upon learning of the tumultuous events back in Bangui, Pastor Faki suffered a severe psychological shock. This shock manifested physically, leading to a sudden and dangerous rise in his blood pressure, which subsequently caused him to enter a coma-like state. The news of the unrest had a profound and immediate impact on his health.
Following these critical health developments, he was hospitalized in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to receive urgent medical care for his condition. His hospitalization shows the seriousness of his health crisis, directly linked to the stress and emotional impact of the church's internal conflicts.
After receiving medical treatment in Yaoundé, Pastor Faki returned to Bangui. Prior to his return, he had also obtained a visa for Switzerland, indicating potential plans for travel or a temporary relocation. However, upon his return to Bangui, he has not attended church services for nearly three weeks. This absence follows his return from Switzerland, suggesting a continued period of recuperation or reflection away from his pastoral duties. The pastor's current health status and his contemplation of becoming an itinerant missionary pastor reflect the profound personal and professional crisis he is facing in the aftermath of these deeply unsettling church disturbances. His potential resignation marks a critical juncture for both Pastor Faki and the future of the Bangui congregation.
