The Duke of Sussex finds himself at the centre of an international controversy as his role in African Parks, a prominent conservation charity, comes under fierce scrutiny. A damning report from the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Environment has levelled shocking allegations against the organisation, accusing it of employing brutal 'fortress conservation' methods.
The Heart of the Allegations
The 84-page document presents a disturbing picture, claiming that communities living near protected areas have suffered severe human rights violations. According to the ministry's findings, local people have faced torture, rape, and summary executions at the hands of eco-guards employed by African Parks.
These tactics are described in the report as creating a climate of fear, with conservation efforts allegedly prioritised over the wellbeing and basic rights of indigenous populations. The ministry has directly accused the charity of perpetuating a 'neocolonial' approach to wildlife protection.
Harry's Leadership Under Fire
Prince Harry's position as President of African Parks since 2023 places him directly in the line of fire. The charity, which manages 22 protected areas across 12 African countries, has seen its methods questioned before, but never with such official gravity from a host nation's government.
The timing couldn't be more sensitive for the Duke, who has frequently spoken about his commitment to conservation and community-led initiatives. These allegations strike at the very heart of his public advocacy work.
A Pattern of Concerns
This isn't the first time African Parks has faced criticism. Previous reports and investigations have highlighted similar concerns about the treatment of local communities. However, the official condemnation from the Congolese ministry represents a significant escalation in the pressure facing the organisation.
The report specifically calls for greater transparency and accountability in how conservation projects are managed, urging a shift away from what it describes as oppressive practices toward more inclusive approaches.
What Comes Next?
The allegations present a serious challenge for both African Parks and Prince Harry's reputation as a conservation advocate. How the charity responds to these formal accusations will be closely watched by conservation groups, human rights organisations, and governments across Africa and beyond.
For the Duke of Sussex, this controversy represents one of the most significant challenges to his post-royal career, testing his ability to navigate complex international issues far from the support structure of the Royal Family.
