French ambassador to CAR accused of bringing women to official residence faces disciplinary action

What the report says

France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, after allegations of misconduct at the French residence in Bangui. According to BBC Africa, the claims relate to events said to have taken place between January 2024 and March of this year and prompted an internal review by France’s foreign ministry over a possible security breach.

A French diplomat told the BBC that administrative procedures have been started and are still under way. The exact nature of any punishment is not yet clear, and it is not known how long the process could take. The BBC also said it had contacted the French embassy in Bangui for comment.

French media reports, as cited by BBC Africa, allege that Foucher invited about 30 women to the official residence and that some stayed overnight. Those allegations raised security concerns because the residence is a protected diplomatic site. Foucher, who has served as France’s top diplomat in CAR since 2023, has not publicly responded in the BBC report.

The case comes as France and the Central African Republic have been trying to repair a relationship that has been strained in recent years. BBC Africa noted that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised what he called a full restoration of ties during a visit to Bangui in March.