The Chadian government has ended its partnership with a high-profile conservation organisation connected to Prince Harry. Officials accused the group African Parks of failing to stop poaching and showing disrespect to national authorities. The decision ends a 15-year collaboration to manage two of Chad’s protected areas.
Government criticises African Parks’ conduct
Chad’s environment ministry said African Parks had shown arrogance and a lack of cooperation with government officials. According to the ministry, the charity ignored local input and failed to invest enough to protect wildlife. Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous announced the move in an official letter, calling it a “unilateral decision” to end the agreement.
African Parks said it had started talks with the ministry to understand the reasons behind the government’s decision. The group stated it wanted to find the best way to continue protecting Chad’s vital landscapes.
Conservation sites under African Parks’ care
African Parks, where Prince Harry serves as a board member and former president, managed two major sites in Chad: the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem. The latter includes the Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia national parks. These areas are home to elephants, lions, and rare bird species.
The charity manages 22 parks and protected zones across 12 African countries. Its work covers more than 20 million hectares of land, aiming to keep ecosystems healthy and financially sustainable.
Scandals and growing criticism
The organisation has faced criticism before. Earlier this year, it admitted that staff in one of its parks in the Republic of Congo had mistreated local residents. The charity refused to release an independent report into the abuse, prompting public anger among conservation supporters.
Chadian officials linked the rise in poaching in their parks to African Parks’ lack of investment and oversight. The government accused the charity of failing to deliver on its promises to protect wildlife and engage local communities.
Prince Harry’s ongoing involvement
Prince Harry joined African Parks in 2016 and became its president the following year. In 2023, after six years in the role, he stepped down and joined the organisation’s board of directors. The charity’s website lists major backers, including the European Union, billionaire Rob Walton, and philanthropist Howard Buffett.
African Parks reported in its 2023 annual report that donors provided over $500,000 a year in funding. Despite its wealthy supporters, critics argue the organisation struggles to balance conservation with local needs.
A setback for Harry’s charitable work
The Chadian government’s move is another blow to Prince Harry’s reputation in the charity sector. Earlier this year, he resigned from Sentebale, the organisation he co-founded to help children affected by Aids in Botswana and Lesotho. His departure followed a public dispute with the chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka.
This latest controversy adds pressure to the Duke of Sussex’s wider image as a global philanthropist. Chad’s decision highlights ongoing tensions between international conservation groups and African governments seeking greater control over their natural heritage.
