Prince Harry steps down from African Wildlife Charity Board following human rights abuse probe

Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of an African wildlife charity after an investigation found human rights abuses by rangers working in one of its protected areas.The Duke of Sussex had been associated with African Parks for about a decade, serving as its president before joining the board of directors in 2023. His departure comes after the organisation acknowledged abuses against indigenous people in the Republic of Congo.A spokesperson for Prince Harry confirmed his departure and said he continues to support the charity's conservation work.“The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board,” the spokesperson said.“His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks' mission.”African Parks manages around 20 national parks and protected areas across 12 African countries.Investigation into ranger abusesThe organisation faced scrutiny after an independent investigation examined allegations involving rangers working at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville.The investigation found evidence of human rights abuses against indigenous people, including allegations that people had been beaten, raped and tortured by rangers managed and paid by African Parks.The charity acknowledged the abuses in 2025 and said it had since strengthened its safeguarding procedures at the park and across the organisation.African Parks recently announced what it described as a “governance refresh of its board of directors” and thanked Prince Harry for his contribution.The organisation said the Duke had helped draw international attention to biodiversity protection and encouraged philanthropy supporting conservation efforts.“The duke remains deeply committed to this cause, and remains a strong supporter of African Parks' work,” it said.Harry's conservation workPrince Harry first became involved with African Parks around 2015 and served as its president before moving to a board position.The charity's website credits him with helping an expert team during the first phase of its 500 Elephants project, which involved moving elephants from Malawi to areas considered safer from poaching.Harry previously described the conservation operation as an “amazing” experience.His departure from the board comes as he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, prepare to return to the UK with their children after several years living in California.The couple left the UK in 2020 after stepping back from their roles as working members of the royal family and later settled in California.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.