France, Aug. 12 -- The Quai d'Orsay confirmed on Tuesday that an administrative inquiry had been carried out in the Central African capital earlier this year and that its findings had prompted formal proceedings against Ambassador Bruno Foucher.

"At the Ministry's initiative, an administrative inquiry was carried out in Bangui in 2026. Upon receipt of the findings of this inquiry, at the minister's request, the Ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings against the ambassador. These proceedings are ongoing," the ministry told French news agency AFP, without giving further details.

The allegations were reported by French satirical and investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaîne, which said Foucher had invited around 30 young women t...