France Launches Proceedings Against Ambassador to Central African Republic, Reportedly Hosted Around 30 Women at Residence

France’s Foreign Ministry has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bruno Fouché, the French ambassador to the Central African Republic. The decision followed an administrative investigation into the diplomat’s conduct at the official residence in Bangui.

The investigation focused on frequent visits by dozens of young women to the ambassador’s residence. Some are suspected of having stayed there overnight, raising questions about compliance with security rules.

The British newspaper “The Guardian,” citing French investigative outlet “Le Canard enchaîné,” reported that the 65-year-old diplomat is suspected of having hosted approximately 30 women aged between 20 and 30 from January 2024 to March 2026.

The frequency of these visits reportedly drew the attention of French officials, while some of the women are said to have spent the night at the official residence.

“Le Canard enchaîné,” which claims to have obtained the inspection report, wrote that Fouché recorded around 15 such visits each month. The document is also said to include an incident in which the ambassador asked staff to allow one of the women to remain at the residence even when he was not there.

According to reports, the ambassador acknowledged having had sexual relations with two of the young women.

The French Foreign Ministry said that an administrative investigation was conducted in Bangui during 2026. Once it was completed, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the diplomat.

The on-site inspection was conducted in April, and its findings were sent to the ministry, which then launched the relevant proceedings.

A career diplomat, Bruno Fouché has served as France’s ambassador to the Central African Republic since 2023. Before this appointment, he served as ambassador to Lebanon, Iran and Chad.

The case has emerged at a sensitive time for relations between France and the Central African Republic. While Russia has significantly increased its presence in the country, Paris is seeking to restore its influence and rebuild diplomatic relations with Bangui.

Russian forces linked to the Wagner Group have played an important role in ensuring the security of Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.

As its influence in former African colonies has waned, France has accused Moscow of fueling anti-French sentiment in several countries across the continent.

During a visit to Bangui in March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said relations between the two countries were entering a new phase and referred to the “full restoration of relations.”

The disciplinary proceedings against Ambassador Bruno Fouché remain ongoing.