There are calls for Prince Harry to consider stepping down from his charity role following concerning allegations

Prince Harry is facing criticism as allegations of misconduct surface within his wildlife charity.

The Duke of Sussex holds a position as a board member of African Parks, a non-profit organization managing 22 national parks and protected areas across 12 countries. He has served as the organization’s president for six years.

A recent report has brought to light disturbing claims of rape and abuse against indigenous people by eco-guards associated with African Parks in the Republic of the Congo. Survival International, a London-based human rights organization, disclosed that they contacted Harry last May regarding concerns about the violent mistreatment of the Baka people by armed guards employed by the charity during his presidency. Although Harry responded within two weeks, promising to address the concerns, his reply was deemed “very disappointing” by Fiore Longo, campaigns director at Survival International.

The organization is now urging Prince Harry to resign from his position, asserting that such a move would send a clear message that human rights violations in the name of conservation are unacceptable.

In response to the allegations, African Parks’ board and chief executive announced that they have initiated an investigation into the conduct of the eco-guards. According to reports by The Mail, instances of abuse by African Parks guards against the Baka people have been documented, including allegations of rape, with one woman reporting an assault three years ago. Her attacker was subsequently dismissed after an internal investigation and served a two-month jail sentence.