Prince Harry is facing calls to step down from his position with African Parks after new allegations surfaced over the charity’s conduct in the Republic of the Congo. The Duke of Sussex, 41, joined the board in 2023 after serving as president for six years. The conservation non-profit manages national parks across Africa, but its record has come under renewed scrutiny. According to Hello!, indigenous rights group Survival International alleges widespread abuse by rangers, including serious claims involving the Baka community.
Also interesting:
Leaving her ‘influential’ position
Why Princess Eugenie Quietly Exited King Charles III’s Foundation
Royal residence revamp
Major Change: William and Kate Update Their Former Royal Home
Frogmore reset?
Harry & Meghan’s Former U.K. Home Luxe Upgrades Are Being Erased
Survival International Criticises Harry’s Support
The pressure intensified after Survival International said the situation on the ground had not improved. The group also criticised Harry’s appearance at a fundraising event in Arizona this week, where the goal was to raise $1 billion. "We don't work with them. The way African Parks treat us here is violent," said a leader of the Baka Community according to Hello Magazine. Survival International director Caroline Pearce also condemned the Duke’s continued support for the charity as questions grow around its handling of past allegations.
African Parks Admitted Abuse Incidents in 2025
The charity had already faced accusations of human rights abuses linked to eco-guards in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, prompting an independent investigation by law firm Omnia Strategy. In a May 2025 statement, the organisation said that "in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred" and added that it "deeply regret the pain and suffering caused to the victims". It also said it was implementing recommendations from the review process. Harry’s representatives referred to that statement when asked for comment on the latest claims.
Prince Harry’s Long Personal Ties to Africa
Harry’s relationship with Africa stretches back decades and has shaped much of his public charity work. In 1997, he travelled to South Africa with King Charles after the death of Princess Diana. He later worked on African conservation efforts, including the first phase of the 500 Elephants project in 2016. In a 2022 speech, he explained the depth of that connection: "Since I first visited Africa at 13 years old, I've always found hope on the continent. In fact, for most of my life, it has been my lifeline..." The continent has remained central to both his personal life and public identity.
Sentebale Lawsuit Adds to Harry’s Charity Troubles
The latest scrutiny comes as Harry is also dealing with a separate legal dispute involving Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. He resigned in March 2025 after what was described as a breakdown in relations and "unthinkable controversy". A defamation claim was later filed against him in the High Court, with Mark Dyer also named. A spokesperson for Harry and Mark said "they categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims" as the Duke faces a growing list of charity-related challenges.
