French ambassador accused of sexual misconduct

France’s Foreign Ministry has launched disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR), following allegations that he repeatedly brought young women to the official residence in Bangui and had sexual relations with some of them, reports RFI. French Ambassador to the CAR, Bruno Foucher, allegedly invited around 30 young women to his private apartments between January 2024 and March 2026 at the ambassador’s residence. The Quai d’Orsay confirmed that an administrative inquiry had been carried out in the Central African capital this year and that its findings had prompted formal proceedings against Foucher. The allegations were reported by French satirical and investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné. According to the newspaper, the frequency of the visits prompted security officials to raise concerns over a potential security breach and led to the Foreign Ministry sending inspectors to Bangui in April. Their findings subsequently led to disciplinary proceedings being opened against the ambassador. The newspaper also alleged that the ambassador had instructed staff to allow one of the young women to remain at the residence even when he was not there. During the inquiry, Foucher acknowledged having had sexual relations with two young women, according to the newspaper. No criminal allegations have been announced and the Foreign Ministry has not disclosed which disciplinary measures are being considered. Under French civil service rules, sanctions could range from a reprimand to compulsory retirement or dismissal, Le Canard Enchaîné reported.

Full RFI report