Prince Harry is facing calls to step down from his role in a conservation charity amid allegations of human rights abuses carried out by an armed militia operating in African parks.
The Mail on Sunday’s investigation has prompted Survival International, an organization advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples, to launch a campaign urging the prince and donors to sever their links with African parks.
The charity, which Prince Harry served as president for six years before being promoted to its governing board of directors, manages national parks in 12 African countries through government partnerships.
However, first-hand testimonies have revealed disturbing incidents of intimidation against backers and indigenous people.
They claim to have been prevented from accessing forests where they have traditionally foraged, fished, hunted, and sought medicine for generations.
According to a source, Prince Harry has been aware of these issues for a significant period but has chosen to turn a blind eye.
Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, described the revelations brought to light by the Mail on Sunday’s investigation as horrific.
She called on Prince Harry to address the situation, arguing that the charity is complicit in the mistreatment of innocent individuals.
The controversy surrounding the charity further intensified following the deaths of three local residents during forced elephant relocations.
Villagers accused Prince Harry’s charity of prioritizing animal welfare over the well-being of people.
In response, a spokesperson for Prince Harry’s foundation, Archwell, stated that when the Duke became aware of the serious allegations, he immediately escalated the matter to the CEO and Chairman of the Board of African Parks, as they are the appropriate individuals to handle the next steps.
Critics argue that Prince Harry’s decision to pass the responsibility to others is a weak excuse for inaction.
As a board member, he holds a position of authority and should have taken immediate action upon learning of the problems.
Calls for a thorough investigation into African Parks have grown, with demands for the dismissal and reprimand of any board members who were aware of the situation but failed to act.
The overall responsibility for the actions of the CEO and staff lies with the board.
Therefore, it is suggested that each board member may be held liable for the alleged human rights abuses.
Concerns have been raised that due to the influential nature of those involved, the issue may be swept under the carpet, with blame shifted elsewhere.
It is crucial that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
An anonymous source on Blind Item expressed doubts about Prince Harry’s willingness to address the controversy, suggesting that he may choose to ignore the situation to protect his charity’s reputation.
The source also questioned the prince’s true commitment to Africa, claiming that his involvement and public appearances there were merely a facade to enhance his image.
Furthermore, they asserted that his desire for a glamorous lifestyle among celebrities outweighed any genuine interest in making a difference in Africa.
As the revelations continue to unfold, it is clear that the controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s charity is far from over.
The calls for accountability and justice will only grow louder, as more information comes to light.
The prince must now decide how to navigate this challenging situation and restore faith in the charity’s mission.