Chad has announced the termination of its 15-year conservation partnership with African Parks, a non-profit organisation whose board includes Britain’s Prince Harry. The government accused the group of failing to effectively curb poaching and of showing “a recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude” toward state authorities, according to Environment Minister, Hassan Djamous.
In a statement, the minister said there had been a resurgence in poaching and insufficient investment in the wildlife reserves managed by African Parks, which had been responsible for the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, including Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia National Parks.
Responding to the move, African Parks said it was engaging with Chadian authorities “to better understand the government’s position” and to “explore the best way forward to support the continued protection of these landscapes that are critical to conservation.”
The organisation expressed hope that dialogue could lead to renewed cooperation in safeguarding Chad’s biodiversity.
Founded in 2000, African Parks is known for its direct management model, assuming day-to-day control of national parks under agreements with host governments. It operates in more than a dozen African countries, often in areas affected by poverty, conflict, and corruption, seeking to introduce stronger governance and accountability in wildlife protection.
Prince Harry, who serves on African Parks’ board and previously held the position of president, has long been a vocal advocate for wildlife conservation across Africa.
The decision brings an end to a long-standing partnership credited with helping restore wildlife populations and strengthen anti-poaching measures. Under African Parks’ management, the elephant population at Zakouma National Park rose from around 450 in 2010 to more than 550 by 2019, reversing years of heavy losses from illegal hunting.
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