Embarrassment in France: Ambassador invited dozens of young women to his residence
Bruno Foucher, Paris's representative in the Central African Republic, brought a "non-stop parade" of local young women to the official residence in a manner that aroused the suspicion of the French police. The senior diplomat said in his defense that they were "students" he was helping with their studies.
The French ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, who served as France's envoy to Lebanon between 2017 and 2020, is facing disciplinary proceedings initiated by the French Foreign Ministry following an unusual sex scandal, it was reported today.
The case was first reported by the French satirical weekly Le Canard Enchainé, which claimed that Foucher invited about 30 young women, aged 20 to 30, to his apartments in Bangui between January 2024 and March 2026. Some of them allegedly spent the night there, despite security restrictions in a country where Russian mercenaries are still active.
In a report titled "Ambassador to the Central African Republic caught in very beautiful parties," Le Canard Enchainé stated that a constant stream of visitors eventually raised concerns among France's GIGN members, the elite national tactical police unit deployed in Bangui to protect the diplomatic compound.
According to the weekly, a GIGN report criticized the ambassador's conduct and caused the Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry to order an inspection mission in Bangui between April 7 and 10. The French Foreign Ministry told AFP on Tuesday that "at the initiative of the ministry, an administrative investigation was conducted in Bangui in 2026." After receiving the findings, and at the minister's request, the ministry "initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador." It was stated that the proceedings are ongoing and no further details were provided. After interviews with about 40 witnesses, the Inspector General of the Foreign Ministry recommended Foucher's dismissal, Le Canard Enchainé reported, citing what it described as the inspection report.
The report determined that his "inappropriate behavior" caused serious consequences for security and image and harmed France's interests, especially in the Central African Republic, where Russian influence is extensive and about 2,000 Russian mercenaries were stationed. According to the weekly, Foucher received about 15 visitors a month, with numbers sometimes increasing on weekends. He also allegedly authorized one young woman to stay in his private residence during his stay. The private area reportedly included a living room and an attached bedroom.
When asked about the security breach, Foucher reportedly said that the woman needed a quiet place to rest away from a noisy family. He also allegedly told investigators that his regular personal meetings with students were intended to help them with their studies by providing access to his extensive library and his film collection.
When asked twice by the Foreign Ministry, Foucher eventually admitted that he had sexual relations with two of the women, according to Le Canard Enchainé. Under French civil service rules, disciplinary penalties can range from a reprimand to dismissal from the public service or forced retirement.
The case is particularly sensitive because of Russia's extensive presence in the Central African Republic. The Wagner paramilitary group remains active in the country, including providing security for President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. French officials and experts have repeatedly accused Russia of stoking anti-French sentiment in several African countries through information operations and social media campaigns. Relations between Paris and Bangui deteriorated sharply as Russian influence expanded, but have improved since 2024.
In March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Bangui and welcomed the "full restoration of relations" between the two countries. This was the first high-level French visit to the Central African Republic since 2018. The newspaper Le Canard Enchainé, which said Barrot received the inspection report on May 22, hinted that the minister was hesitant to dismiss Foucher at a time when relations between France and the Central African Republic are improving.
