Prince Harry Faces Calls to Resign Over Congo Charity Abuse Scandal

Prince Harry is facing fresh demands to resign from his leadership position at an African wildlife charity after its rangers were accused of raping and torturing indigenous populations. The Duke of Sussex served as president of African Parks for six years before joining the governing board of directors two years ago.

Following a damaging investigation by the Mail on Sunday, the charity has admitted that human rights abuses were committed by its own staff against the Baka people living near Odzala-Kokoua national park in the Republic of the Congo. Reports indicate that Prince Harry was fully briefed on the scandal and worked with the board to implement changes. Despite these efforts, indigenous rights group Survival International alleges that the abuse continues, urging the Duke to step down.

Last year, African Parks acknowledged that 'human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering that these have caused to the victims.' The organization promised to improve partnerships with Congolese human rights groups, create a 'bespoke remedy framework,' and ensure implicated staff were 'adequately dealt with.' However, critics argue these measures have not stopped the violence.

Ella Ene, a mother from the Baka community, shared her harrowing experience with the Mail on Sunday. She described being allegedly raped by an African Parks guard while clinging to her baby, Daniel. Her testimony highlights the severity of the allegations made against the organization's security forces.

A leader of the Baka community told Survival International, 'We don't work with them. The way the African Parks treat us here is violent.' He added, 'African Parks… want to make us disappear.' Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, condemned the situation, stating, 'It is outrageous to see Harry's continued support to African Parks despite the horrific human rights abuses committed by its rangers against the Baka.'

The scandal has cast a shadow over the charity, which receives funding from both the British government and the European Union. An investigation by the Mail on Sunday uncovered evidence of intimidation and abuse in the rainforests of the Republic of the Congo. These findings came just as the Duke faced another controversy involving his Sentebale charity, where he was accused of 'harassment and bullying at scale'—claims he denies.

The investigation revealed first-hand accounts of atrocities inflicted on the Baka, an indigenous group once known as pygmies, intended to force them out of forests where they have lived for millennia. One woman recounted being raped by an armed guard while protecting her newborn. Mail on Sunday reporter Ian Birrell documented these testimonies alongside two Baka men who said they were beaten.

As these reports emerge, the public and advocacy groups are pressing for accountability. The implications extend beyond the charity, affecting government directives and international funding. The continued presence of such abuses challenges the organization's mandate and raises urgent questions about oversight and the protection of vulnerable indigenous communities.

A teenager has come forward alleging that he was recruited and groomed by a park guard for the purpose of engaging in paid sexual acts. In a separate incident, a community activist reported that a Baka man lost his life after being beaten and detained without receiving medical attention for his injuries.

Addressing these concerns, a spokesperson for African Parks stated, "Over the past several years, African Parks has made substantial and sustained investment in human rights safeguards in Odzala-Kokoua national park." The official further explained that these measures include the creation of a fully functional grievance and redress mechanism. Additionally, three independent human rights non-governmental organization partners have been established to offer trusted reporting channels for local communities surrounding the park. Oversight is provided by an independent panel of distinguished African judges and human rights experts, who manage the grievance mechanism and handle all serious complaints.

A spokesperson representing Prince Harry has been reached out to for comment regarding these developments.