French Ambassador Bruno Foucher at the Résidence des Pins in Beirut, where he served from 2017 to 2020. (Credit: AFP/ File photo)
French Ambassador to the Central African Republic Bruno Foucher, who served as France’s envoy to Lebanon from 2017 to 2020, is facing disciplinary proceedings initiated by France’s Foreign Ministry, the ministry confirmed to AFP on Tuesday.
The case was first reported by the French satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaîné, which alleged that Foucher had invited about 30 young women, aged between 20 and 30, to his apartments in Bangui between January 2024 and March 2026. Some allegedly spent the night there, despite security restrictions in a country where Russian mercenaries remain active.
‘Diplomatic recklessness’
In a report headlined “The Ambassador in the Central African Republic Caught in Very Fine Parties,” Le Canard Enchaîné said a steady stream of visitors eventually raised concerns among members of France’s GIGN, the elite national police tactical unit deployed in Bangui to protect the diplomatic compound.
According to the weekly, a GIGN report criticized the ambassador’s conduct and prompted the Foreign Ministry’s secretary-general to order an inspection mission in Bangui from April 7 to 10.
The Foreign Ministry told AFP on Tuesday that “at the ministry’s initiative, an administrative investigation was carried out in Bangui in 2026.” After receiving the findings, and at the minister’s request, the ministry “initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador.” It said the proceedings are ongoing and provided no further details.
After interviewing about 40 witnesses, the Foreign Ministry’s inspectorate general recommended Foucher’s removal, Le Canard Enchaîné reported, citing what it described as the inspection report.
The report reportedly said his “inappropriate behavior” had caused serious security and reputational consequences and harmed France’s interests, particularly in the Central African Republic, where Russian influence is extensive and about 2,000 Russian mercenaries have been deployed.
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 quarters while he was away. The private area reportedly consisted of a living room and an adjoining bedroom.
Questioned about the security lapse, Foucher reportedly said the woman needed a quiet place to rest away from a noisy family. He also allegedly told investigators that his regular one-on-one meetings with female students were intended to help them with their studies by giving them access to his extensive library and film collection.
Acknowledged sexual relationships
Questioned twice by the Foreign Ministry, Foucher ultimately acknowledged having had sexual relations with two of the women, according to Le Canard Enchaîné.
Under French civil service rules, disciplinary penalties can range from a reprimand to dismissal from the public service or compulsory 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 in providing security for President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
French officials and experts have repeatedly accused Russia of fueling 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 hailed the “full restoration of relations” between the two countries. It was the first high-level French visit to the Central African Republic since 2018.
Le Canard Enchaîné, which said Barrot had received the inspection report on May 22, suggested that the minister has been reluctant to remove Foucher at a time when relations between France and the Central African Republic are improving.
