Prince Harry’s Africa Charity Accused of Abuse by Rainforest Families

A leading conservation charity, in which Prince Harry plays a significant role, is facing serious allegations of human rights abuses in Africa.

The charity, African Parks, has been accused of overseeing an armed militia that reportedly engages in the brutal mistreatment of indigenous tribespeople in the rainforests of the Republic of the Congo.

The allegations include claims of beatings, rape, and torture inflicted on the local communities by guards employed and managed by the charity.

The Mail on Sunday conducted an investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence of intimidation and violence perpetrated by the guards working for African Parks.

Prince Harry, who served as the president of the charity for six years before joining its board of directors last year, has been associated with the organization during a period when these alleged abuses took place.

African Parks, supported by a billionaire linked to the ownership of Chelsea Football Club, operates across 12 African countries, managing extensive forested areas and national parks in collaboration with local governments.

Despite its stated mission of wildlife conservation and community engagement, reports indicate a pattern of atrocities committed against the Baka people, an indigenous group formerly known as Pygmies.

Testimonies from members of the Baka community recount harrowing experiences of violence and exploitation at the hands of the guards employed by African Parks.

Incidents include a man being forcibly submerged underwater while being beaten, a woman being sually assaulted while holding her newborn child, and a teenage boy being coerced into engaging in paid sual activities by a guard.

Furthermore, there are allegations of medical personnel being pressured to conceal evidence of abuse, exacerbating the suffering of the victims.

The failure to provide adequate compensation and support to those affected by the abuses has added to the distress and disillusionment within the impacted communities.

These revelations have emerged at a critical juncture when Prince Harry is actively promoting his global initiatives as a social justice advocate and champion of equality.

Despite receiving accolades for his humanitarian work, including a recent award for his contributions to environmental causes, questions have been raised about his association with African Parks in light of the ongoing human rights violations.

Calls for Prince Harry to use his influence to address the abuses and protect the vulnerable communities affected by the actions of the charity's guards have intensified.

A Baka eyewitness to the brutality inflicted by African Parks guards expressed a desire for Harry to intervene and put an end to the suffering endured by their community.

Prince Harry's affinity for Africa and his belief in the importance of community-centered conservation efforts have been central to his involvement with African Parks.

However, the serious nature of the allegations brought to light through investigations and advocacy groups like Survival International has prompted calls for swift and decisive action to address the systemic issues within the charity's operations.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Prince Harry's foundation, Archewell, stated that the Duke had escalated the matter to the leadership of African Parks upon learning of the serious accusations.

The charity had previously been warned about the widespread nature of the abuses by its rangers, indicating a systemic problem that requires immediate attention and accountability at the highest levels.

As the spotlight intensifies on the actions of African Parks and the implications for Prince Harry's association with the organization, the need for transparency, accountability, and genuine reform within the charity's operations has become a pressing concern.

The urgency to address the human rights abuses and ensure the well-being of the affected communities underscores the critical importance of ethical practices in conservation efforts and the protection of indigenous rights.