Chad Ends 15-Year Partnership with Prince Harry's African Parks Over Financial Misconduct Allegations

Prince Harry is facing a significant setback in his conservation efforts after the government of Chad abruptly ended its 15-year partnership with African Parks, a wildlife charity where he serves as a board member and former president. Chad's environment minister accused the charity of displaying a "recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude," financial misconduct, and failing to prevent rising poaching in key protected reserves, including the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem. African Parks, which manages 24 protected areas across 13 African countries and has backing from high-profile donors, confirmed receiving official notice of the partnership termination and is seeking to understand the government's position to explore ways to continue conservation efforts. This development follows prior controversy involving the charity, including admitted human rights abuses by park guards and refusal to publish an independent report into those abuses. The decision marks a blow to Prince Harry's charitable work in Africa, coming months after his resignation from another charity, Sentebale, amid governance issues. Despite these challenges, African Parks highlighted its past successes, such as elephant population recovery at Zakouma National Park, while the charity and Prince Harry have yet to publicly comment on the latest developments.