- Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, a wildlife charity that admitted human rights abuses by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville.
- A spokesman for Prince Harry confirmed he was stepping down after being president for the charity for six years before becoming a member of its board of directors in 2023, but said he remains a supporter of its mission.
- African Parks admitted human rights abuses were committed by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville last year.
- An independent review found allegations of beatings, rape, and torture by rangers in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
- Survival International called for Prince Harry to step down from the board.
- African Parks announced a 'governance refresh' and thanked Prince Harry for his 10-year commitment.
- African Parks manages around 20 national parks and protected areas across 12 countries.
- The charity's admission followed an independent review into allegations made by members of the Baka community.
- Community members accused African Parks rangers of beating, waterboarding and raping locals to stop them from accessing their ancestral forests.
- African Parks acknowledged that human rights abuses occurred in the Odzala-Kokoua national park, which it manages.
- African Parks stated that it had improved its safeguarding processes both at the park and institutionally.
Prince Harry has resigned from the board of African Parks, a wildlife charity embroiled in a human rights controversy involving its rangers. The charity admitted to abuses against the Baka community in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, including allegations of beating and rape.13671011
Harry's departure follows an independent investigation that revealed these abuses, prompting the charity to enhance its safeguarding processes. A spokesperson for Harry stated, "the Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board."
Founded 26 years ago, African Parks manages over 20 million hectares (50 million acres) across 12 countries, partnering with local communities and governments. Despite stepping down, Harry remains committed to the charity's mission, having served as its president for six years before joining the board in 2023.
Caroline Pearce, executive director of Survival International, criticized Harry's long tenure with the charity, stating it was “outrageous that for 10 years he has served African Parks while people working for it had been responsible for abuse and violence against Indigenous people.” The charity expressed “deep gratitude” to Harry for his contributions, but the call for accountability remains strong as the organization seeks to reform its practices.5
“Survival International's executive director Caroline Pearce called it 'outrageous' that Harry served for 10 years while rangers were 'responsible for abuse and violence against Indigenous people.' African Parks, which manages 20m hectares across 12 countries, announced a 'governance refresh' and thanked Harry for his decade of service.”
BBC
The Guardian
