Congolese sport mourns death of senior administrator Barthélémy Okito

The sporting community in Democratic Republic of the Congo is mourning the sudden death of former Secretary General for Sports Barthélémy Okito, who died following a hypertensive crisis, according to family sources.

News of Okito’s passing spread on Saturday morning, prompting an outpouring of grief across national sporting circles.

His death marks the loss of a senior administrator widely regarded as a steady presence in the organisation and promotion of sport in the country.

Okito spent more than a decade working at the heart of the state’s sports administration. For 13 years, he was associated with continuity inside the ministry, overseeing procedures and supporting projects designed to strengthen the profile of Congolese sport.

Colleagues describe him as a behind-the-scenes figure whose understanding of administrative systems helped shape the implementation of programmes intended to raise the country’s sporting standards and international visibility.

Throughout his tenure, Okito was seen as a bridge between institutional planning and on-the-ground delivery.

His work contributed to maintaining operational stability during periods of transition, ensuring that initiatives tied to athlete development and organisational management continued without disruption.

That reputation for reliability earned him respect among officials, administrators and members of the broader sporting community.

Beyond his formal responsibilities, Okito was remembered by peers as someone deeply committed to the progress of sport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

His career reflected a long-term investment in the structures supporting athletes and federations, reinforcing governance processes that underpin competition and representation abroad.

His death leaves what many describe as a significant gap within the country’s sports administration. Tributes from across the sector have highlighted both his professionalism and his personal dedication to advancing Congolese sport.

Supporters say his influence extended beyond policy, shaping a culture of service and continuity that will remain part of the institutional memory.

As messages of condolence continue to circulate, Okito is being honoured as a public servant whose work helped define an era of sports governance in the country.

Those who worked alongside him say his legacy will endure through the systems and initiatives he helped establish, serving as a reference point for future administrators tasked with guiding Congolese sport forward.