Overview
- Chad formally withdrew African Parks’ authority to manage the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem after a 15-year partnership.
- Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous cited a resurgence of poaching, lack of investment, failure to respect key agreement clauses, and a disrespectful attitude toward the government.
- A government document reported by The Times alleges financial irregularities, including unaudited accounts, illegal collection of tourism revenues, and use of offshore accounts, which remain allegations.
- African Parks said it received official notice on Oct. 6 of the unilateral termination and has begun talks with the ministry to understand the decision and ensure conservation gains are sustained.
- The charity notes reported elephant gains at Zakouma from about 450 in 2010 to over 550 by 2019, had its Ennedi agreement renewed in April 2025, and faces reputational scrutiny over earlier admitted abuses by rangers in the Republic of Congo.