- France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its top diplomat in the Central African Republic (CAR) over accusations of misconduct.
- This emerged after a report in a French weekly that Ambassador Bruno Foucher allegedly had brought dozens of women into his official residence and had sex with some of them.
- The allegations, which refer to events said to have happened between January 2024 and March 2026, prompted investigations by France's foreign ministry into a potential security breach.
- Foucher is alleged to have invited about 30 women to his residence in Bangui, with some reported to have stayed overnight, raising security concerns.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Bangui in March 2026 and praised the 'complete restoration of relations' between the two countries.
- The French foreign ministry conducted an on-site inspection in April 2026, which led to the opening of disciplinary proceedings.
- Administrative investigation was carried out in 2026, and disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador are ongoing.
- Foucher, 65, has been serving as his country's top diplomat in Bangui since 2023.
- His alleged misconduct comes as France and the CAR are working to improve their bilateral relationship which had been strained in the past.
- Russia maintains a strong foothold in CAR, primarily through the Wagner paramilitary group, which plays a key role in providing security for the country’s president.
- French officials have accused Russians of fostering anti-French sentiment in a number of African countries.
France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, following allegations of misconduct involving approximately 30 women at his official residence. The allegations, reported by Le Canard enchaîné, suggest that Foucher, 65, engaged in sexual relations with some of these women between January 2024 and March 2026.13
The French foreign ministry confirmed that an administrative investigation was initiated in 2026, leading to ongoing disciplinary actions against Foucher. A ministry spokesperson stated, “At the initiative of the ministry, an administrative investigation was carried out in Bangui in 2026. Upon receipt of the findings of this mission, and at the request of the minister, the ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador.”8
Concerns were raised about potential security breaches due to the nature of the visits, with reports indicating that some women stayed overnight. Foucher allegedly instructed staff to allow one young woman to remain at the residence during his absence, further complicating the situation.
This investigation unfolds as France seeks to restore its relationship with the CAR, which has deteriorated amid increasing Russian influence in the region. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently highlighted the “complete restoration of relations” during his visit to Bangui in March, emphasizing the importance of mending ties as Russia's Wagner group solidifies its presence in the country.6
Foucher, a seasoned diplomat, has served in various ambassadorial roles since 2006, including positions in Lebanon, Iran, and Chad.
“The allegations, reported by Le Canard enchaîné, involve about 30 women aged 20–30 brought to the residence between January 2024 and March 2026, with some staying overnight. The foreign ministry's administrative investigation in Bangui led to the disciplinary proceedings, which a French diplomat confirmed are 'ongoing'.”
The Guardian
