Wildlife charity with links to Prince Harry dealt blow
Prince Harry has worked with African Parks since 2016
Chad has severed its 15-year partnership with African Parks, a wildlife charity Prince Harry has long been associated with.
Chad’s environment minister, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, released a four-page statement announcing the termination of ties with the organisation.
He accused non-profit organisation African Parks, which aims to protect Africa’s national parks, of showing “recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude toward the government”.
The decision marks the end of a long-standing conservation relationship, that had been regarded as one of Africa’s most successful partnerships between a government and a non-profit.
Prince Harry, 41, served as president of African Parks for six years before joining its governing board of directors in 2023.
Charity African Parks branded ‘disrespectful’
African Parks manages 24 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares across the continent.
In his statement, Mr Djamous accused the charity of disrespect and mismanagement.
He claimed that African Parks had failed to invest in its protected reserves and that poaching had resurged in areas under its control.
African Parks responded diplomatically. They said they plan to “explore the best way forward” following Chad’s announcement.
A statement read: “African Parks confirms that on 6 October 2025, it received official correspondence from Mr. Hassan Bakhit Djamous, the Minister of Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development of Chad, informing the organisation of the Government of Chad’s unilateral decision to terminate the two management mandates it has with African Parks.
“These mandates relate to the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, which includes Zakouma National Park and Siniaka-Minia National Park.
African Parks statement
“African Parks has initiated discussions with the Ministry to understand the Government’s position and to explore the best possible way forward in support of the continued protection of these critical conservation landscapes, as well as to ensure that the significant conservation and social gains achieved over the past 15 years, are sustained.
“African Parks will continue to keep its partners and stakeholders informed, as further clarity is obtained.”
The charity helped look after two wildlife reserves in Chad – the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, which includes the Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia national parks.
According to African Parks, elephant numbers at Zakouma rose from 450 in 2010 to more than 550 by 2019.
This latest blow follows earlier controversies surrounding African Parks. In 2023, African Parks faced allegations of “human rights abuses by eco-guards against the Baka community in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo”.
Witnesses reportedly described acts of violence, including beatings and sexual assault, allegedly against the Baka people. They are an Indigenous community living near the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
African Parks acknowledged the reports at the time, saying in a statement that it “deeply regrets the pain and suffering caused to the victims”.
They added: “We are committed to rectifying these issues and ensuring the protection of human rights throughout our operations.”
Prince Harry’s Sentebale row
This development adds to a difficult year for the Duke of Sussex’s philanthropic record.
Earlier this year, the UK Charity Commission concluded its investigation into Sentebale. Harry founded the charity in 2006 to help vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana.
Chair Sophie Chandauka had accused trustees, including Harry, of poor management, “abuse of power,” and “toxic” conduct after a clash over fundraising strategy.
The commission found “no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying or harassment” within the charity. However, they raised concerns about the charity’s leadership.
Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned as patrons amid the turmoil.
“What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness,” Harry said at the time. “Especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal.”
Read more: Meghan Markle tipped to make London visit following Prince Harry’s reunion with King Charles
What do you think? You can let us know with a comment on our Royal Insider Facebook page.
