Ivory Coast diocese announces priest’s suicide

PARIS (FRANCE)
LaCroix International

April 26, 2019

A Grand Bassam diocesan priest in southwestern Ivory Coast who was accused of child sex abuse has committed suicide after he was reported to the local bishop.

Father Richard Bilé, 51, a curate at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Affiénou was found dead on April 24 shortly after morning Mass. Diocesan spokesperson, Father Lambert Lath Yédo, confirmed the news.

Sex abuse accusation Initial findings appear to indicate suicide by hanging, Father Yédo said.

“However, inquiries by gendarmes from Maféré are under way and they will inform us as to the exact cause of death,” he added.

Bishop Raymond Ahoua was informed of an accusation of child sex abuse involving the deceased priest the previous week.

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