African Parks, backed by Prince Harry, has admitted to human rights abuses by its rangers after an investigation into rape, beatings, and intimidation in Congo.
African Parks, a conservation charity partly run by Prince Harry, has admitted that its rangers committed human rights abuses in Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park. This follows a probe by Omnia Strategy LLP triggered by Mail on Sunday reports of rape, beatings, and sexual exploitation of the indigenous Baka people.
Victims described horrific attacks, including a mother raped while holding her infant, and a teenage boy groomed for sex. The charity now acknowledges systemic failures and has pledged reforms. However, campaigners like Survival International have criticized the lack of transparency, as findings remain unpublished.
Prince Harry, who served as African Parks president for six years before joining its board, was reportedly fully briefed and helped initiate changes. Critics urge him to use his platform to demand justice.
“The forest is our life,” a Baka man told reporters. “They are destroying our people.”
African Parks manages conservation in 12 African nations and receives global philanthropic support.