Harry and Meghan's unanswered Africa scandal questions - cost to 'abuse' claims

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will visit Nigeria later this month to take part in talks about the Invictus Games, but have been urged to "reconsider" their travel plans due to a number of issues.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to take part in cultural activities and meet service members and their families. The trip also has a special meaning for Meghan who previously revealed in an episode of her podcast Archetypes that following a DNA test, she discovered she is "43 per cent Nigerian".

This will be the first time Harry and Meghan visit the country in West Africa as a couple. Previously, King Charles - then Prince Charles - and Camilla visited Nigeria in 2018. From security risks to charity concerns during the Sussexes' trip, we look at the issues raised over what has been described by commentators as the "Africa scandal".

READ MORE: Harry and Meghan in Africa scandal as security will be paid by Nigeria where 87m people in poverty

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Security costs

Due to the invite by Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, it is said the Sussexes will receive the type of security they expected in the UK too before Harry lost his appeal. The cost of their African security is set to be paid for by the government of Nigeria, according to reports.

Such a bill comes as the country continues to deal with mass poverty, with an estimated 87 million people in the nation living below the poverty line. Earlier this week, Nigerians were queuing for hours to buy fuel across major cities, causing more hardship for millions already struggling in an economic crisis.

Former royal protection officer Dai Davies has said it seems hypocritical for Meghan and Harry to insist on visiting Nigeria after Harry has raised issues with the risk of coming to the UK. "It's strange that he personifies the risk factors here and is willing to go to one of the world's most dangerous countries," he told The Express. He added: "I would want to know the rationale for this visit to what is a very dangerous place."

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Charity concerns

The visit comes after Harry faced pressure to review his role on the board of conservation charity African Parks following a number of allegations directed towards the charity. The Duke of Sussex was named as the president for six years before he was promoted to the governing board of directors in 2023.

Part of his new duties saw him take on shared responsibility for overseeing the charity's policy and supervising its management of 22 national parks in partnerships with governments across African countries. Last month, current and former staff at the charity shared their own experiences of what happens behind the scenes at the conservation. Some claimed armed rangers use "torture methods" to extract information from poachers.

Author and journalist Olivier van Beenman interviewed a number of sources as part of his three-year investigation into the organisation - which receives funding from British aid, US billionaires and celebrities. The journalist's findings revealed the extent of the shocking allegations in a new book, Entrepreneurs in the Wild.

African Parks, however, disputed findings in the book, saying the publication was "deeply flawed". A statement said: "African Parks has been in operation for more than 20 years, with long-term agreements with 12 different sovereign governments and numerous traditional authorities. We have received funding from most of the global institutions … all of which require detailed vetting processes, as well as intermittent grant audits."

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US government's security warning

By travelling to Nigeria, the Sussexes are ignoring safety warnings set out by the US State Department which has given Nigeria a Level 3 advisory, urging anyone who wants to visit the country to "reconsider travel" due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

The travel advisory by the US government says: "Violent crime - such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape - is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as US citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

"Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

"There is civil unrest and armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality and gangs, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services is also pervasive in this region. Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions."

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Unclear schedule

So far, the only details confirmed about the trip are the Invictus Games talks, the couple's participation in cultural activities and their meetings with service members and their families. Further details, including the length of the trip and other plans the couple might have, are not clear.

After the couple's trip was confirmed, Nigeria's Defence Ministry said it was a "honour and delight" for the country to welcome Harry and Meghan. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau released a statement saying the visit would strengthen Nigeria's connection to the Invictus Games and potentially pave the way for hosting future editions.

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