The Duke of Sussex has resigned from the board of directors of African Parks, a prominent wildlife conservation organization, after the charity acknowledged human rights abuses committed by its rangers. Prince Harry's spokesperson confirmed his departure from the board, stating that the Duke remains a dedicated supporter of the organization's mission.

African Parks, which manages numerous national parks across Africa, came under scrutiny last year after an independent review investigated allegations of abuses against members of the Baka community in the Republic of the Congo. These allegations, published by the Mail on Sunday, included claims of beatings, waterboarding, and rape by rangers tasked with preventing access to ancestral forests now designated as conservation areas.

Following the review's findings, African Parks issued a statement admitting that human rights violations had occurred within the Odzala-Kokoua national park, which the charity oversees. The organization stated that it has since implemented improvements to its safeguarding procedures at both the park and institutional levels.

Prince Harry had served as the president of African Parks for six years before joining its board of directors in 2023. His spokesperson emphasized that the Duke's commitment to conservation in Africa remains strong and that he is "proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board."

Survival International, an advocacy group for Indigenous peoples' rights, had previously urged Prince Harry to resign from the board. The organization's executive director, Caroline Pearce, characterized it as "outrageous" that Prince Harry had served the charity for a decade while its personnel were reportedly involved in abuse and violence against Indigenous populations.

The Duke's tenure with African Parks has spanned a decade, during which he has been actively involved in conservation efforts across the continent. His resignation from the board signals a significant development in his relationship with the organization amidst the controversy.

African Parks has stated its commitment to reform and has outlined steps taken to prevent future abuses. The organization's work involves protecting wildlife and ecosystems, often in challenging environments, and relies on partnerships with local communities and governments.

This situation raises broader questions about the methods employed in conservation efforts and the importance of upholding human rights alongside environmental protection. The Duke's departure highlights the complexities of balancing conservation goals with the rights and well-being of local and Indigenous communities.