The French ambassador to the Central African Republic has been criticized after receiving around thirty young women in his apartment.

Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Bruno Foucher, who allegedly brought around thirty young women to his private apartments in the residence between January 2024 and March 2026.

Will he be sanctioned? The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that it had launched disciplinary proceedings against the French ambassador to the Central African Republic, accused of bringing young women to the residence and having sexual relations with some of them, according to Le Canard enchaîné.

“At the initiative of the ministry, an administrative inquiry was carried out in Bangui in 2026. Upon receipt of the conclusions of this mission, at the request of the Minister, the ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Ambassador. These proceedings are ongoing,” the Quai d’Orsay stated, without providing further details.

In an article to be published on Wednesday, the weekly newspaper Le Canard enchaîné claims that Ambassador Bruno Foucher brought around thirty young women to his private apartments in the residence between January 2024 and March 2026, prompting the protection services to report a security breach.

About fifteen visits per month

Once alerted, the ministry conducted an on-site inspection in April, which led to the initiation of disciplinary proceedings. According to the newspaper, which claims to have obtained the inspection report, the ambassador received approximately fifteen visits per month. He also reportedly instructed that one of these young women be allowed to stay at the embassy during his absence.

When questioned twice, the ambassador admitted to having had sexual relations with two young women in total, according to the newspaper, which points out that disciplinary action can range from a simple reprimand to dismissal from the civil service, including forced retirement.

Russia's presence in the country

The situation is all the more sensitive as the Central African Republic is a country where Russia has a large presence, notably with the Wagner paramilitary group, which remains established in this country particularly to ensure the security of President Faustin-Archange Touadera.

Russia is regularly accused by French authorities and experts of stirring up hostility against France in various African countries, particularly through informational maneuvers on social networks.

Relations between Paris and Bangui, which had deteriorated sharply as Russia's influence grew, have been warming since 2024.

In March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during a visit to Bangui, hailed the "complete restoration of relations" between the two countries. This was the first high-level French visit to the Central African Republic since 2018.