France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, following an administrative investigation into his alleged conduct at the French embassy in Bangui.

 

The 65-year-old diplomat is accused of repeatedly bringing women into his official residence for overnight stays, with an investigation reportedly finding that he received dozens of visits over a two-year period.

 

According to French investigative publication Le Canard Enchaîné, the ambassador hosted at least 30 women between January 2024 and March 2026. The report said he was receiving as many as 15 visits a month, raising concerns over compliance with security procedures governing access to diplomatic premises.

 

The allegations have prompted action from France’s foreign ministry, which confirmed that an administrative inquiry was carried out in Bangui earlier this year.

 

“At the ministry’s initiative, an administrative inquiry was conducted in Bangui in 2026.

 

“Upon receipt of the mission’s findings, and at the foreign minister’s request, the Ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Ambassador. These proceedings are ongoing.”

 

The investigation reportedly examined Foucher’s relationship with several women who visited the diplomatic residence, including claims that some stayed overnight. One woman was allegedly allowed to remain at the residence while the ambassador was away on official duties.

 

Foucher is also reported to have acknowledged having sexual relations with at least two local women. The details were contained in an official report reviewed by Le Canard Enchaîné, according to the publication.

 

The controversy centres not only on the ambassador’s private conduct but also on the security implications of allowing a large number of people access to an official diplomatic residence.

 

Foucher remains in his post while the disciplinary process continues. Depending on the outcome, he could face a severe reprimand or removal from France’s diplomatic service.

 

The ambassador has not publicly commented on the allegations.

 

Foucher is a veteran French diplomat who entered the country’s foreign service after studying at the École nationale d’administration, one of France’s most prestigious institutions for training senior public officials.

 

The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for France’s relationship with the Central African Republic. Paris has been working to rebuild diplomatic ties with Bangui after years of strained relations, while Russia continues to maintain a significant presence in the country through forces linked to the Wagner network.

 

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has maintained close relations with Moscow, while France has repeatedly accused Russia of using disinformation to deepen anti-French sentiment across the country.

 

There have nevertheless been signs of a diplomatic thaw between France and the Central African Republic since 2024.

 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Bangui in March, marking the first high-level French visit to the country since 2018. During the visit, Barrot described the renewed engagement as “a full restoration of relations”.

 

The diplomatic push has placed renewed importance on France’s representation in Bangui, making the allegations against its ambassador particularly sensitive as Paris seeks to strengthen its position in a country where Western and Russian influence remain sharply contested.