30 Women at His Residence: France Investigates Its Ambassador to the Central African Republic
France has launched disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic following reports that he hosted dozens of women at his official residence, in visits that raised security concerns.
The French weekly satirical newspaper Le Canard enchaîné reported that Ambassador Bruno Foucher, 65, “brought around 30 women aged between 20 and 30 to his residence” between January 2024 and March 2026.
According to information in Le Monde, the visits prompted French officials to report a potential security breach.
Following these reports, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs conducted an on-site inspection in April, which resulted in the opening of disciplinary proceedings.
According to Le Canard enchaîné, which said it had obtained the inspection report, the ambassador received around 15 visits per month.
He reportedly also instructed staff to allow one of the young women to stay at his residence while he was away.
Admission of “two relationships”
The ambassador acknowledged having “had sexual relations with two young women,” according to the weekly.
The French Foreign Ministry told Agence France-Presse that the administrative investigation conducted in Bangui was “initiated by the ministry,” adding that disciplinary proceedings were launched after the investigation’s findings were received and at the request of the foreign minister. The ministry confirmed that the proceedings are still ongoing.
Veteran diplomat under investigation
Bruno Foucher is a veteran French diplomat and has served as France’s ambassador to the Central African Republic since 2023.
He previously served as France’s ambassador to Lebanon from 2017 to 2020, to Iran from 2011 to 2016, and to Chad from 2006 to 2011.
The investigation comes as Paris seeks to rebuild relations with the Central African Republic after a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties in recent years, amid growing Russian influence in the former French colony.
Russia maintains significant influence in the Central African Republic, particularly through the Wagner paramilitary group.
