Around 30 Women in Official Residence: French Ambassador Faces Disciplinary Proceedings

France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, following reports that he hosted around 30 women at his official residence in the capital Bangui between January 2024 and March 2026. The French weekly 'Le Canard Enchaîné' revealed the details, including Foucher's admission of having sexual relations with two of the women. The French Foreign Ministry conducted an inspection at the residence in April, after which the disciplinary proceedings were initiated.

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 French weekly 'Le Canard Enchaîné' reported that Foucher, 65, brought around 30 women aged 20 to 30 into his residence between January 2024 and March 2026, and that some 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. It was also reported that he received about 15 visits per month at his residence and even instructed staff to allow one woman to stay while he was away. The French Foreign Ministry conducted an inspection at the ambassador's residence in April, after which the disciplinary proceedings were opened. In an official statement, it said: 'At the initiative of the ministry, an administrative investigation was conducted in Bangui in 2026. Upon receiving the conclusions 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), Iran (2011-2016), and Chad (2006-2011). The affair came to light at a sensitive time for relations between the two countries, as Paris works to rebuild ties with the Central African Republic amid Russia's growing influence in the country. The Wagner Group plays a key role in securing the country's president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, and French officials have accused Moscow of fueling anti-French sentiment in Africa. In March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the 'full restoration of relations' between the countries.