France envoy in CAR faces misconduct proceedings

France has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bruno Foucher, its ambassador to the Central African Republic, after an administrative investigation into alleged misconduct at his official residence in Bangui.

The French foreign ministry said an investigation was carried out in Bangui in 2026 and that disciplinary proceedings were opened after the ministry received the findings. The ministry said the proceedings are ongoing.

French weekly Le Canard enchaine reported that Foucher, 65, brought around 30 women aged between 20 and 30 into his residence between January 2024 and March 2026, with some staying overnight. It said the visits raised security concerns and prompted officials to report a security breach.

The weekly also reported that Foucher acknowledged having had sexual relations with two young women and that he allegedly told staff to allow one of the women to stay at the residence while he was absent.

Foucher has served as France’s ambassador to the Central African Republic since 2023. He previously served as ambassador to Tehran from 2011 to 2016 and to Chad from 2006 to 2011.

The case comes as France seeks to rebuild relations with Bangui after ties worsened in recent years amid Russia’s growing influence in the Central African Republic.