Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, a major wildlife charity that previously acknowledged human rights abuses by its rangers in the Republic of Congo.

The abuses were uncovered after an independent investigation into allegations from members of the Baka Indigenous community, including claims of violence and mistreatment.

Harry, who served as the charity’s president for six years before joining its board in 2023, said he remains a strong supporter of African Parks and conservation efforts in Africa.

The human rights group Survival International had urged Harry to leave the board and said his departure does not remove the need for African Parks to be held accountable, The Guardian has reported.

African Parks thanked Harry for his decade of service, saying he helped raise global awareness of conservation and biodiversity protection across Africa.