About 30 women in the official residence: French ambassador faces disciplinary proceedings
According to a report in France, Bruno Foucher hosted women aged 20 to 30 at his residence in the Central African Republic, some of whom stayed overnight. The visits were defined as a security breach, and the ambassador admitted to having sexual relations with two of the women. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that proceedings against him are ongoing.
France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, following allegations that he hosted dozens of women at his official residence in the capital, Bangui. The visits raised security concerns and led to an investigation by the French Foreign Ministry.
The French weekly "Le Canard enchaîné" reported that Foucher, 65, brought about 30 women aged 20 to 30 into his residence between January 2024 and March 2026, and that some of them stayed overnight. According to the report, the visits led officials to report a security breach. Foucher admitted to having sexual relations with two of the young women, according to the weekly. It was further reported that he received about 15 visits a month at his residence and even instructed staff to allow one of the women to stay there while he was away.
The French Foreign Ministry conducted an inspection at the ambassador's residence in April, which led to the opening of the disciplinary proceedings.
"At the initiative of the ministry, an administrative investigation was conducted in Bangui in 2026. Upon receiving the findings of the investigation, and at the request of the minister, the ministry opened disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador. The proceedings are still ongoing."
Foucher is a veteran diplomat who has served as France's ambassador to the Central African Republic since 2023. He previously served as ambassador to Lebanon (2017–2020), to Iran (2011–2016), and to Chad (2006–2011).
The affair was exposed during a sensitive period for relations between the countries. Paris is working to restore its ties with the Central African Republic following a sharp deterioration against the backdrop of Russia's expanding influence in the country. The Wagner Group plays a central role in securing the country's president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, and French officials have accused Moscow of fueling anti-French sentiment in African countries.
During a visit to Bangui in March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the "full restoration of relations" between France and the Central African Republic.
