Chad has reportedly ended its 15-year partnership with African Parks, a conservation group linked to Prince Harry, citing poor anti-poaching efforts and “disrespect” toward the government.
The decision marks another setback for the Duke of Sussex, who also left his Sentebale charity earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry recently appeared in a UNAIDS campaign urging renewed global commitment to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Chad Ends 15-Year Partnership With Prince Harry-Linked Conservation Group, African Parks
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Chad has announced it is ending its partnership with African Parks, a conservation non-profit organization linked to Prince Harry, accusing the group of failing to curb poaching and exhibiting a “recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude toward the government.”
According to Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous, wildlife crime has surged again in areas overseen by the organization, due to insufficient funding and inadequate action to protect the reserves.
African Parks, which has managed the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem for 15 years, said it is engaging with officials to “understand the government’s position” and “explore the best way forward to support the continued protection of these landscapes that are critical to conservation.”
The move, per the New York Post, brings an end to a 15-year collaboration between Chad and African Parks, which had been tasked with protecting wildlife and rebuilding elephant populations across key conservation areas, including the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, home to the Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia national parks.
Prince Harry’s Conservation Charity Faces Scrutiny Amid Chad Fallout And Congo Abuse Allegations
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Harry, who joined African Parks in 2016, now serves on its board following a six-year tenure as the organization’s president.
The non-profit, which manages 22 protected areas across 12 African countries, had been responsible for Chad’s Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem.
However, the charity has faced mounting controversy in recent months. Earlier this year, African Parks admitted that some employees at a park in the Republic of Congo had mistreated members of nearby communities and later declined to release an independent report on the incident.
The Chadian government formally notified the organization of its “unilateral decision” to terminate their partnership in an official letter from Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous on Monday.
The move marks another setback for Harry’s philanthropic work, following his earlier departure this year from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to support children affected by AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.
The Duke Of Sussex Urges World Leaders To Renew Commitment To Ending AIDS By 2030
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In a separate effort last month, Harry joined global figures including Charlize Theron and Magic Johnson in a UNAIDS campaign urging world leaders to restore funding to HIV and AIDS programs.
Appearing in a new UNAIDS film presented at the United Nations Assembly in New York, the Duke of Sussex urged world leaders to renew their commitment to ending AIDS by 2030.
“Without urgent action, we will slip backwards,” Harry cautioned, warning that reductions in funding are already affecting prevention and treatment efforts worldwide.
The project builds on Harry’s long-standing work in HIV advocacy, including the founding of Sentebale in 2006, although he stepped down as patron earlier this year amid a reported dispute with the charity’s board chair.
Harry’s dedication mirrors that of his late mother, Princess Diana, who was celebrated for challenging the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.
Prince Harry Reportedly Strives To Ease Royal Tensions Over Meghan Markle’s Viral Paris Video
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Meanwhile, Harry is reportedly working discreetly to defuse rising tensions after Prince William’s alleged furious reaction to Meghan Markle’s controversial Paris video.
According to royal insiders who spoke to Rob Shuter, the Duke of Sussex has been “trying to calm things privately” following backlash over Meghan’s clip.
The video showed her reclining in a limousine with her feet up while driving toward the Paris tunnel where Princess Diana died.
The video included glimpses of landmarks like Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Invalides, sparking outrage online for its perceived insensitivity.
The Duke Is ‘Trying To Calm’ His ‘Livid’ Brother, Source Claims
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Sources revealed that William was “livid beyond words” over the Meghan Paris video, describing the act as “a personal affront” and a “personal desecration” to his and Harry’s mother’s memory.
The source explained that, for the future king, the tunnel is considered “sacred ground” connected to their mother’s tragic passing, making Meghan’s casual filming there feel “disrespectful.”
Once again placed between his brother and his wife, Harry is reportedly working hard behind the scenes to calm the situation.
“He knows it looks bad but is trying to calm things privately,” an insider said.
