French ambassador to CAR accused of misconduct at official residence faces disciplinary action

France has initiated disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, following accusations of misconduct at his official residence. According to a report in a French weekly, Foucher allegedly hosted dozens of women at his residence and had sexual relations with some of them between January 2024 and March 2024.

The allegations have sparked investigations by France’s foreign ministry into a possible security breach. A French diplomat confirmed to the BBC that the ministry has launched administrative procedures against Foucher, which are currently ongoing. The BBC has reached out to the French embassy in Bangui for a response. The extent of the disciplinary measures and their duration remain unclear.

French publication Le Canard enchaîné reported that Foucher invited around 30 women to his Bangui residence, with some staying overnight, which raised security concerns. Foucher, who has been serving as France's top diplomat in the CAR since 2023, has not made any public comments on the allegations. This misconduct comes amid efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between France and the CAR, which had previously faced challenges.

During a visit to Bangui in March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the "complete restoration of relations" between the two nations.