France envoy in CAR faces probe over alleged misconduct
France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic over allegations of misconduct, following claims that he brought dozens of women into his official residence, raising potential security concerns.
The investigation comes as Paris seeks to rebuild relations with Bangui, which deteriorated sharply in recent years amid Russia's expanding influence in the Central African Republic, a former French colony.
French weekly Le Canard enchaine reported that French ambassador Bruno Foucher, 65, brought around 30 women aged between 20 and 30 into his residence between January 2024 and March 2026, with some of them staying overnight.
The visits prompted officials to report a security breach.
The ambassador acknowledged having had sexual relations with two young women, the weekly said.
"At the initiative of the ministry, an administrative investigation was carried out in Bangui in 2026," the foreign ministry told AFP on Tuesday.
"Upon receipt of the findings of this mission, and at the request of the minister, the ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador. These proceedings are ongoing."
The ministry conducted an on-site inspection in April, which led to the opening of disciplinary proceedings.
Foucher is a career diplomat who has served as ambassador to the Central African Republic since 2023.
He was ambassador to Tehran from 2011 to 2016 and to Chad between 2006 and 2011.
According to Le Canard enchaine, which said it obtained the inspection report, the ambassador received about fifteen visits per month.
He also allegedly instructed staff to allow one of the young women to stay at the residence during his absence.
Russia maintains a strong foothold in the Central African Republic, primarily through the Wagner paramilitary group, which plays a key role in providing security for President Faustin-Archange Touadera.
French officials have accused Russians of fostering anti-French sentiment in a number of African countries.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot praised the "complete restoration of relations" between the two countries when he visited Bangui in March.