Burkinabe Catholic Bishop Expresses Regret for Misdeeds, Goes on Spiritual Retreat, Apostolic Administrator Named

Dablo, 24 June, 2025 / 8:46 PM

Bishop Joachim Hermenegilde Ouédraogo of the Catholic Diocese of Koudougou in Burkina Faso has expressed “regret” for his past misdeeds that he acknowledges have caused pain to “many”.

In a statement issued Monday, June 23, Bishop Ouédraogo weighs in on the controversy stemming from financial transactions he had with Group Champy International, a private company. Initially framed as part of a support agreement for Koudougou Diocese, the transactions resulted in legal proceedings that involved Bishop Ouédraogo and the Burkinabe Episcopal See.

In the statement, Bishop Ouédraogo says, “Our diocesan family is going through a very painful time, and I come to you in all humility to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.”

He takes responsibility of the unfortunate state of things in his Episcopal See, saying, “Through my actions, I have created an unprecedented situation in our Diocesan family, in the Church Family of God here in Burkina Faso.”

“In light of this situation, dear brother Priests and beloved people of God, I come to you from the bottom of my heart to express my sincere regret for what has occurred. I have misled, hurt, and disappointed many,” Bishop Ouédraogo says.

According to Le Faso.net report, a Priest introduced Bishop Ouédraogo to the CEO of Group Champy International, Jonace Kiswendsida Yaméogo. The 2018 acquaintance developed into familiarity, Mr. Yaméogo becoming a benefactor to the Diocese, offering financial and material support such as motorbikes, IT equipment, and building projects, the June 23 report indicates.

Bishop Ouédraogo reportedly partnered with Mr. Yaméogo to use Diocesan real estate as collateral with a local financial institution in exchange for over 2 billion CFA francs (US$3.5 million). The Burkinabe Catholic Bishop has been prosecuted for organized fraud and money laundering.

In his June 23 statement, Bishop Ouédraogo says the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization has appointed the Auxiliary Bishop of the same Episcopal See, Bishop Alexandre Yikyi Bazié, as Apostolic Administrator “Sede Plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis”, thus giving him full authority over “administrative, financial, and personnel matters in the Diocese until further notice.”

“I receive this decision of the Dicastery for Evangelization with faith and deep obedience, and I commit myself to cooperate with the Dicastery, as well as with all ecclesial and judicial authorities in our country, so that full clarity may be brought to this matter,” he says.

In the statement, as part of his response to the crisis, Bishop Ouédraogo says, “In order to have a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and preparation to meet the demands of justice, I will take some time off for rest.”

He continues, “I ask forgiveness from Bishop Bazie, from the Priests, the Consecrated Persons, and all the lay faithful of the Diocese of Koudougou and the entire Church Family of God in Burkina Faso.”

“Humbly, I entrust myself to the mercy of God and the prayers of the holy people of God in Koudougou,” Bishop Ouédraogo further says, and invites the people of God to “intensify prayers for me, for Bishop Alexandre Yikyi Bazie, and our entire Diocesan Church Family of Koudougou.”

“Counting on the mercy of God and yours, I once again humbly ask you to accept my sincere request for forgiveness and the assurance of my humble prayers. May God bless you and always protect you,” Bishop Ouédraogo implores.