The Duke of Sussex ends a decade-long association with the conservation organization after an investigation confirmed abuses against Indigenous people in the Republic of Congo.
London (Running Africa) — Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, ending a decade-long relationship with one of Africa’s largest conservation organizations as it continues to face scrutiny over human rights abuses involving communities living around protected areas.
The Duke of Sussex first became involved with African Parks in 2016 and later served as the organization’s president for six years. He moved onto its board of directors in 2023.
His departure follows an independent investigation into allegations involving members of the Baka Indigenous community living near Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, where rangers were accused of serious abuses.
African Parks acknowledged in May 2025 that human rights abuses had occurred and pledged reforms aimed at strengthening protections and providing remedies for victims.
Prince Harry Ends 10-Year Relationship With African Parks
Harry’s departure brings to an end a relationship with African Parks that stretched across much of his public conservation work on the continent.
After joining the organization in 2016, he served as president for six years before transitioning to its board in 2023.
His involvement helped bring international visibility to African Parks and its model of managing protected areas in partnership with African governments.
A spokesperson for Harry said he remains committed to supporting conservation efforts across Africa despite leaving the organization.
African Parks thanked him for his contribution.
African Parks Investigation Examined Abuse Allegations in Congo
Harry’s departure comes after sustained scrutiny surrounding allegations of abuse near Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.
An independent investigation examined allegations involving the treatment of members of the Baka community, including claims of physical and sexual violence, torture and unlawful detention.
The allegations raised wider questions about the treatment of Indigenous communities living around conservation areas and the accountability of organizations responsible for protecting them.
In May 2025, African Parks acknowledged that human rights abuses had occurred.
The organization said it would strengthen safeguards and introduce measures intended to provide remedies to people affected.
Survival International Had Called on Harry to Leave African Parks
Indigenous rights organization Survival International had repeatedly urged Prince Harry to sever his relationship with African Parks.
The group argued that his continued association with the conservation organization provided legitimacy despite the allegations surrounding its operations.
Harry’s high-profile position made his involvement a particular focus as scrutiny of African Parks intensified.
His resignation from the board now formally ends that institutional relationship.
African Parks Manages Protected Areas Across 13 African Countries
African Parks has become a significant force in conservation across the continent, managing protected areas covering more than 20 million hectares across 13 African countries.
Its approach involves long-term agreements with governments to manage national parks and other protected landscapes, with responsibilities ranging from wildlife conservation and anti-poaching operations to tourism and community engagement.
The scale of those operations has made the organization influential in African conservation.
It has also increased scrutiny over how conservation policies affect communities living within or around protected areas.
Abuse Allegations Fuel Wider Debate Over Conservation in Africa
The controversy surrounding African Parks reflects a broader debate over the relationship between wildlife conservation and Indigenous rights in Africa.
Conservation organizations often operate in regions where local communities have longstanding relationships with forests, wildlife and land that later become designated as protected areas.
Rights groups argue that conservation cannot come at the expense of those communities or expose them to violence and displacement.
African Parks has said it is strengthening its human rights safeguards following the findings concerning abuses.
Prince Harry’s departure is unlikely to end that scrutiny.
After a decade as one of African Parks’ most prominent international supporters, his decision to leave the board marks a significant moment for the organization as it works to address the consequences of the abuses and rebuild confidence in its approach to conservation and community rights.
