France has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bruno Foucher, its 65-year-old ambassador to the Central African Republic, after Le Canard enchaîné reported he brought about 30 women aged 20 to 30 into his official residence between January 2024 and March 2026, some staying overnight, prompting a security breach report. Foucher acknowledged sexual relations with two of the women, per the newspaper, and allegedly received about 15 visits a month, including instructing staff to let one woman stay during his absence.
The French foreign ministry confirmed an administrative investigation was carried out in Bangui in 2026 followed by an on-site inspection in April, leading to the ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Foucher, a career diplomat who has also served in Lebanon, Iran and Chad, has been CAR ambassador since 2023.
The episode lands as Paris tries to repair relations with CAR, where Russia's Wagner group maintains significant influence over the security of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. French officials have accused Russia of stoking anti-French sentiment across the region.
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