Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of a wildlife charity after it was at the centre of human rights violations.
The Duke of Sussex’s spokesperson confirmed he was no longer a trustee of African Parks, but remains a “supporter of its mission.”
“The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board,” they said. “His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission.”
In 2024, the Mail on Sunday published a report where members of the Baka community first made allegations against the African Parks rangers in Congo-Brazzaville. These allegations included torture, rape and other abuses to stop the locals from accessing their ancestral forests.
The report was followed by an independent review into the rangers actions. Shortly after, African Parks released a statement acknowledging human rights abuses occurred in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, which it manages.
The charity manages approximately 20 national parks and protected areas across 12 countries.
African Parks further claimed its safeguarding processes had been improved in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and institutionally.
Upon Prince Harry’s departure, the organisation thanked the young prince for his association.
“Over the years, the Duke has brought global attention to the urgent need for biodiversity protection for the benefit of people and wildlife, and has contributed greatly to promoting philanthropy for the cause of conservation in Africa. The Duke remains deeply committed to this cause, and remains a strong supporter of African Parks’ work,” a statement read.
Prince Harry has worked with the charity since 2016. In the same year, he spent time in Malawi to help relocate more than 500 elephants across 350 kilometres. The Duke was the charity’s president for six years before becoming a member of its board of directors in 2023.
The transition comes as British media reported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
The news rapidly caused backlash for the Sussexes, and seemingly had an impact on Meghan’s acting career. The Duchess was said to be pursuing a role in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. The offer that is reportedly no longer on the table.
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