Prince Harry Urged to Step Down from African Parks Board

In early 2024, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, faced public calls to step down from the board of African Parks, a conservation organization he has been associated with since 2016 and formally joined as a board member in 2023. The appeals followed reports of alleged human rights abuses committed by rangers operating in protected areas managed by the charity, particularly in Central Africa. The allegations were linked to incidents involving the Baka Indigenous people in the Republic of the Congo, where African Parks oversees Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Investigations and reports by advocacy groups and media outlets described claims of violence, intimidation, and displacement by eco-guards tasked with protecting wildlife. These reports prompted scrutiny of the organization’s oversight mechanisms and raised concerns about the treatment of local communities living in or near conservation zones. As scrutiny intensified, critics and human rights organizations urged Prince Harry to reconsider his position on the board, arguing that his role brought additional visibility and responsibility. African Parks acknowledged the allegations and stated that it had initiated independent investigations into the claims. The organization also noted its commitment to human rights policies and said it was working to address concerns raised by affected communities and external reviewers. Prince Harry did not immediately step down from his role during this period. The situation remained under review as African Parks continued its internal and external assessments into the reported incidents, with attention from international observers and advocacy groups focused on the outcome of those inquiries.