Prince Harry is stepping down from a wildlife conservation non-profit organisation, which has been hit by a human rights abuses scandal in recent years involving allegations against its eco-guards at a park in the Republic of Congo.

The charity has announced a “governance refresh of its board of directors” that confirms Prince Harry’s departure and that Kenya Supreme Court judge Justice Isaac Lenaola, and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa president Alice Ruhweza are joining its board.

The changes take effect from the end of September.

The charity details that Harry has been involved with the organisation since 2016, when he was involved in a largescale elephant translocation. He served as its president for six years before becoming a member of its board of directors.

African Parks says the Duke of Sussex “remains a strong supporter of African Parks’ work”.

“We extend our thanks to all the members of the Board who generously volunteer their time in support of our conservation mission - and particularly to The Duke of Sussex, for a decade of committed service to African Parks,” added the charity’s chair Vas Narasimham.

The charity manages parks in 13 countries across Africa, including in Angola, the Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Human rights abuse allegations

Last year saw the conclusion of an independent investigation that had been looking into allegations made in 2023 of human rights abuses by eco-guards against the Baka community in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo.

This highlighted failures in African Parks’ processes in tackling abuse, which the charity said it is “committed to rectifying”.

“African Parks acknowledges that, in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering caused to the victims,” said the charity in a statement at the time.

“There is no place for any form of abuse in the name of conservation,” it added.

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