Nestor-Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia

Nestor-Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia S.M.A. (born 6 March 1970), is a Central African Catholic prelate who serves as the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bossangoa, Central African Republic since 14 May 2012. Before that, from 23 August 1998 until 14 May 2012, he served as a priest. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He received his episcopal consecration on 22 July 2012 at Bangui, by the hands of Cardinal Fernando Filoni. Bishop Nestor-Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia is a professed member of the Society of African Missions, a Catholic relgious order.

Early life and education He was born on 6 March 1970 at Mbaïki, Diocese of Mbaïki, Lobaye, Central African Republic. He studied philosophy at the Saint Marc National Major Seminary in Bangui. He then studied theology at the Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, in Ibadan, Nigeria. Later he graduated with a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from the University of Strasbourg, in France. His Doctorate was awarded by the same university.

Priest He took his vows as a member of the Society of African Missions in 1994. He was ordained a priest for his religios oder on 23 August 1998. He served as a priest until 14 May 2012. While a priest, he served in various roles and locations, including: In April 2014, Bishop Nestor Désiré Nongo-Aziagbia, together with three priests from his diocese, was abducted by Seleka Rebels and earmarked for execution. According to the bishop's own narrative, the execution orders were rescinded by a senior Seleka officer. The bishop and the three priests were rescued via helicopter by MISCA forces.