French ambassador Bruno Foucher, 65, is facing disciplinary proceedings after reportedly inviting an 'endless parade' of young women into his official residence in the Central African Republic for overnight stays. The senior diplomat is accused of violating security protocols while hosting his guests between January 2024 and March 2026, according to Paris investigative magazine Le Canard Enchaîné.
Allegations and Security Concerns
The ambassador is said to have regularly hosted the women overnight at the embassy in the capital Bangui. His behaviour raised concerns at the highest level, particularly due to Russia's involvement in the Central African Republic. Intelligence chiefs fear the diplomat could have left himself open to a honeytrap sting.
On the advice of its overseas secret service, France's foreign ministry launched an inquiry into Mr Foucher's sex life. The ministry has now initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador. According to the magazine, an 'endless parade of female visitors eventually raised alarms' among cops from France's elite GIGN tasked with protecting diplomats overseas and carrying out anti-terrorist work.
Official Response and Report Details
A French foreign ministry spokesman confirmed the magazine's report. "At the ministry's initiative an administrative inquiry was conducted in Bangui in 2026," they said. "Upon receipt of the mission's findings, and at the foreign minister's request, the ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador. These proceedings are ongoing."
Mr Foucher reportedly admitted having sex with at least two local African women, according to the magazine which has seen the official report into the scandal. The ambassador was said to have received 15 visits per month and allowed one of the women to stay in his residence while he was away on official duties. Mr Foucher, who remains in his job, faces dismissal from the foreign service or a severe reprimand. He has not commented on the scandal.
Diplomatic Background and Public Reaction
The career diplomat joined France's foreign service after studying at the École nationale d'administration - the country's elite administrative school. France has been trying to rebuild relations with the Central African Republic where Russia's notorious Wagner paramilitary group retains a large presence and provides security for president Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
Mr Touadéra is known to have used Moscow cash to fund election campaigns. Relations between France and the Central African Republic have improved since 2024 and in March French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited - the first high-ranking official to go there since 2018. Mr Barrot said there had been a 'restoration of relations'.
Brit bureaucrats expressed their admiration for Mr Foucher's efforts online. One called him a 'dirty Foucher' while another branded him 'Ferrero Roger' in homage to the Ferrero Rocher chocolates frequently served at ambassadors' receptions, according to the company's famous TV ad campaign. Another wrote: "Aged 65? 15 a month? Should be commended for his energy. Triumph of nominative determinism. Our Foreign Office take note: Ambassadors HandWringer and Craven-Apologist your days are numbered." One more said: "What a lucky man." Another said: "Isn't that a requirement for French politicians and presidents?"
