Wildlife charity linked to Prince Harry has agreement with Chad terminated
A conservation charity whose board of directors Prince Harry is a member of has struck a deal to manage protected parks in Chad.
The country’s government has accused African parks of serious financial abuse, a disrespectful attitude and a failure to prevent poaching.
The Duke of Sussex has been involved with the organization as chairman since 2016, before joining the board in 2023.
Within Chad the charity was responsible for protecting two wildlife reserves, the Ennedi natural and cultural reserve and the greater Zakouma ecosystem.
They form part of 24 national parks and protected areas managed by African parks in 13 countries, including Rwanda, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.
But Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous said the Chadian government’s 15-year partnership with the aid agency would end “effective immediately”.
The government accused the aid agency of using funds in the Isle of Man and transferring capital abroad “to the detriment of Chad” and maintaining unaudited accounts, according to a four-page government report. seen by times.
Mr Djamous said the charity had shown a “repeated, discourteous and disrespectful attitude towards the government”. He also blamed poaching for a lack of investment from the charity.
The nonprofit confirmed it was informed of the “unilateral decision” in an official letter on Monday.
In a statement, the charity said: “African Parks has initiated discussions to understand the government’s position and explore the best possible way to support the continued protection of these critical conservation landscapes, ensuring that the significant conservation and social gains made over the last 15 years are maintained.
“African parks will continue to keep its partners and stakeholders informed as further clarity becomes available.”
Representatives for the Duke of Sussex have been contacted for comment.
Founded in 2000, the charity aims to protect and invest in protecting Africa’s national parks and to help countries struggling to protect their wildlife due to poverty, famine and conflict.
The Chadian government’s decision is another blow for the charity, after it admitted earlier this year that human rights abuses had been committed by Rangers against an indigenous group in the Republic of Congo. African parks acknowledged the abuses at the time, adding: “We deeply regret the pain and suffering inflicted on the victims. There is no room for any abuse in the name of conservation.”
It is also another blow for Prince Harry, who resigned from Charity Sentebale earlier this year, which helped his late mother Princess Diana continue to support children with HIV.
The duke said he was “completely devastated” after a bitter boardroom dispute with President Sophie Chandauka led to his resignation.
The Charity Commission later said there was no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment or misogyny, but criticized “all parties” for allowing a “damaging” dispute to play out.
