Former Ivorian Prime Minister Isn’t in Our Premises, Catholic Archdiocese Debunks Claims of Hiding Guillaume Soro

Abidjan, 31 August, 2025 / 11:09 PM

The Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan in Ivory Coast has denied allegations that one of its parishes is providing refuge to former Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who has been the subject of political controversy and judicial pursuit in recent years.

In a press conference on Friday, August 29, the Communications Officer for the Archdiocese of Abidjan rejected the allegations circulating on social media.

A viral video on TikTok published on August 29 claimed that Mr. Soro, currently outside the country, had sought protection in Catholic institutions. The narrator in the video further claims that the former President of the National Assembly is taking refuge at St. James Deux-Plateaux Parish of Abidjan Archdiocese.

“This claim is completely false. No Parish, no presbytery, no accommodation facility under the Archdiocese of Abidjan is housing Mr. Guillaume Soro,” Fr. Augustin Obrou said during the press conference that was held at St. Paul Cathedral of Abidjan Archdiocese.

Fr. Obrou added, “The Catholic Church cannot be used for partisan causes or for rumors likely to disturb public order.”

He called upon those engaging social media and Ivorians in general “to be responsible and calm” and to “show discernment and responsibility in the dissemination of information.”

As Ivory Coast prepares for presidential elections in October, he warned, “the spread of false information can generate unnecessary tensions, suspicions, and a climate of mistrust detrimental to social peace.”

“The mission of the Catholic Church remains exclusively spiritual, pastoral and moral, namely, to proclaim the Gospel, serve peace, and defend human dignity,” Fr. Obrou emphasized, and added, “The Church cannot under any circumstances be involved in practices contrary to the law.”

He went on to urge all political actors and opinion leaders to “prioritize serenity, truth and dialogue, in the higher interest of the nation.”

“We will continue praying and acting so that Ivory Coast remains a land of fraternity, justice, and peace,” Fr. Obrou said.

Mr. Soro, a former ally of President Alassane Ouattara, has been in exile since 2019. He was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment in 2021 on charges including conspiracy and undermining State security; and he has consistently denied these accusations.

In a video published on Facebook, the Parish Priest of St. James Deux-Plateaux Parish invites the security forces to thoroughly search the church premises.

“I want the police, the gendarmerie, all security forces today to come to St. James. I am opening all doors today so that they can search,” Fr. Eric Norbert Abékan says in his message.

In his Facebook post, Fr. Abékan condemns the self-styled influencers who he says take advantage of the electioneering period to spread hatred and discredit people’s reputations.

“Recently, I have spoken out against these so-called influencers because I cannot accept this method of destroying people’s lives and reputations. Human life is sacred,” the Ivorian Catholic Priest says.