Africa Regional Director at International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (@IFRCAfrica)
Nairobi
Joined November 2012
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During this Humanitarian Principles Week, let’s go beyond celebrating our principles and reflect on how we live them daily in our decisions, in the partnerships we build, in the way we communicate, and, above all, in how we stand with communities experiencing crisis.
“Our Fundamental Principles are not simply words displayed on our walls. They are our compass.”
@CharlesBusinge1, our Regional Director, reflects on how the Fundamental Principles continue to guide humanitarian action and enable us to reach those who need assistance most.
Birgitte’s passing is a profound loss. I will remember her warmth, thoughtfulness, and genuine commitment to our collective work where she engaged with openness and respect. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and colleagues in Europe. May she rest in peace.
I'm devastated to share the news of the sudden passing of my close friend and colleague, Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, the IFRC's Regional Director for Europe.
We've published this statement.
My deepest condolences to Birgitte's husband, family, friends and colleagues at this awful, painful time. ifrc.org/statement/ifrc-mour…
Charles Businge retweeted
The Heart of Humanity.
A profound privilege to meet the volunteers of the @croix_rouge_rdc responding to Ebola. Every day, they stand with communities facing fear, loss, and grief, bringing compassion, dignity, and hope where it is needed most.
Their work is extraordinarily difficult. They accompany families through unimaginable sorrow and carry the emotional burden of witnessing loss day after day. Yet they continue to show up, to care, and to serve.
These volunteers are true heroes. Their courage, humanity, and selfless dedication inspire us all and remind us of the very best of the human spirit.
To every volunteer responding to Ebola: thank you. You are the heart of humanity.
@ifrc #EbolaResponse #RedCross #HumanityInAction #Volunteers
I was privileged to visit Adama and Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha in 🇪🇹 @EthioRedCross
The visit highlighted the importance of National Society Development, demonstrating that strong, sustainable, and locally led National Societies are key to delivering lasting community impact.
A high-level delegation led by IFRC Africa Regional Head Mr. Charles Businge conducted a field visit to ERCS project activities in Adama and Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha districts of East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region.
For more:
redcrosseth.org/blog/2026/09…
We Live for Humanity!
Charles Businge retweeted
The Addis Ababa Call to Action on Early Warnings in Africa has been adopted! 📖✅ Ensuring #EW4All is championed beyond 2027 💪 by promoting stronger partnerships 🤝 and sustainable investments 💰 for powerful early warnings and early action. Read more ➡️ tinyurl.com/AEWForum
Charles Businge retweeted
“What impressed me most today was the dedication of @croix_rouge_rdc volunteers. From community engagement teams to safe and dignified burial teams, they are working tirelessly on the frontlines to protect their communities and prevent further spread of Ebola.”
During his visit to the Red Cross operational base in Bunia, Ituri Province, @IFRC Under-Secretary General for National Society Development and Operations Coordinator Xavier Castellanos (@Xcastel) met volunteers supporting the Ebola response and saw first-hand how coordination structures, psychosocial support services and call centre operations are helping bring life-saving assistance closer to affected communities.
Charles Businge retweeted
Two days of dialogue, learning and collaboration in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have reinforced a shared commitment: sustainable community health systems start with a strong, supported and locally rooted health workforce.
Participants and partners, including @IFRC, @rodekorsnorge, and @AfricaCDC, identified practical pathways to strengthen Community Health Worker (CHW) programmes through sustainable financing, stronger country leadership, community ownership and strategic partnerships, helping shape CHW priorities ahead of the Africa CDC Community Health Worker meeting in Abuja.
As the journey continues, together, we're turning commitments into action for healthier, more resilient communities across Africa.
Charles Businge retweeted
Building resilience starts with local solutions.
In Kosemarr, in the Upper River Region of #TheGambia, communities identified tree planting as a simple, effective way to reduce the impact of windstorms and climate risks.
With support from @ifrc's Global Climate Resilience Pool Fund, the @GambiaRedCross provided 1,000 tree seedlings, comprising both fruit trees and woodlot species, to the community to help them restore the environment and build a more resilient future.
#ClimateResilience #NatureBasedSolutions #LocalLedAdaptation
Charles Businge retweeted
Humanitarian personnel, including volunteers, never give up — and we must not give up on them.
This #WorldHumanitarianDay, we honour Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who stand with communities through crises, often at great personal risk.
Their humanity, courage and commitment save lives. They must be protected.
#ProtectHumanity #ActForHumanity
This #WorldHumanitarianDay, we honour Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who stand with communities through crises, often at great personal risk.
Humanitarians must be protected. Together, we can #ProtectHumanity #ActForHumanity
Charles Businge retweeted
When Ramazani contracted Ebola, he didn’t know what was making him sick.
He initially tried to treat himself at home. But after being reached by Red Cross volunteers with information about Ebola, he made the decision to seek treatment, afraid he could infect his children.
Ramazani survived. Three of his colleagues did not. He also lost nine family members, including his wife.
Today, he wants to use his experience to encourage others to seek care early.
Charles Businge retweeted
Trust is essential to stopping #Ebola. But building it can come at a cost.
Across eastern #DRC, #RedCross volunteers work within communities every day, confronting misinformation, resistance and, at times, violence.
Their courage is a powerful reminder: those protecting communities must themselves be protected.
Read their stories 👇
shorturl.at/VCwyx
The @croix_rouge_rdc, supported by @ifrc & partners, continues working alongside communities and health authorities in the Ebola response.
Despite insecurity and mistrust, over 1,400 Red Cross volunteers are delivering lifesaving activities. Let's stand with them.
Tomorrow marks three months since the Ebola outbreak response began in the DRC.
As the outbreak continues to spread, @ifrc and @croix_rouge_rdc, through approximately 1,400 Red Cross volunteers, remain on the frontlines working with communities.
Here are a few key facts about the outbreak and the response 👇🏾
#EbolaResponse
Charles Businge retweeted
As I conclude my visits to Kenya and Zimbabwe, I leave encouraged by what I have seen: communities, volunteers and National Red Cross Societies demonstrating that resilience is built long before crises come.
From strengthening food security and livelihoods in Kenya to advancing preparedness and humanitarian partnerships in Zimbabwe, one message has been consistent - local solutions already exist.
Our responsibility is to strengthen partnerships, invest in local leadership and ensure communities have the support they need to prepare for and withstand future shocks.
Thank you to our National Societies, governments and partners for your commitment to building a safer, more resilient Africa. I look forward to my next trip to your incredible part of the world.
Charles Businge retweeted
There have now been more than 1,200 days of conflict in Sudan.
For years now, millions of people in Sudan have been living through a trauma that continues to uproot lives, separate families, and deepen one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
With support from the IFRC, the Sudanese Red Crescent has reached more than 8 million people with life-saving assistance across Sudan in 2025.
Even as global attention shifts elsewhere, the suffering has not stopped. Neither can our commitment.
This weeks IFRC Weekly News podcast focuses on the crisis. open.spotify.com/episode/4dr… for Spotify or search 'IFRC Weekly News' on Apple, or wherever you get podcasts.
Charles Businge retweeted
As my four-day mission to Kenya concludes, one message stands out: the solutions to hunger already exist within Africa.
In Taita Taveta, I met farmers and young people transforming lives through improved rice production, sunflower farming, and skills development using research from a local university. These investments in locally led action are building resilience long before the next crisis strikes.
My discussions with government and partners reinforced a shared conviction: the challenge is not finding solutions, but mobilising the partnerships and investment needed to take them to scale.
I am grateful to His Majesty King Letsie III, the Government of Kenya, the @KenyaRedCross, the British High Commission, and all partners advancing durable solutions towards #ZeroHunger in Africa.
Ending hunger requires more than emergency response. It demands addressing underlying causes like the climate crisis and in sustained investment in people, local leadership, and resilient food systems.
The solutions are here. The task now is simple: invest, partner, and scale. #ZeroHunger
Charles Businge retweeted
Community-led solutions are strengthening people's resilience and livelihoods.
Today His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, IFRC Secretary General @jagan_chapagain, IFRC Regional Director for Africa @CharlesBusinge1, and @KenyaRedCross Secretary General @IrshadIdris were in Taita Taveta County, Kenya.
The delegation visited initiatives supporting climate-smart agriculture, including rice and sunflower farming projects that are helping farmers diversify their incomes, improve #FoodSecurity, and better cope with the effects of climate change.
Charles Businge retweeted
Honoured to meet H.E. President @WilliamsRuto today in Nairobi, Kenya.
Grateful to President Ruto for the constructive exchange and recognition of the vital role of the Red Cross Red Crescent in Kenya and around the world.
Together with the Government of Kenya, @KenyaRedCross and the @IFRC, we remain committed to supporting communities in need and advancing principled humanitarian action where it is needed most.
Met International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Secretary-General Jagan Chapagain at State House Nairobi. Thanked the organisation for continued humanitarian interventions in Kenya and across the region.
Assured Mr Chapagain of Kenya’s commitment to continue working with the Red Cross to strengthen the response to emergencies across our region.
I also briefed him on Kenya’s transformation agenda, especially in water harvesting, water storage and irrigation, through the National Infrastructure Fund. This will boost production and strengthen our country's food security.
Honored to join H.E. President @WilliamsRuto, IFRC Secretary General @jagan_chapagain, & Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. @IrshadIdris to discuss strengthening humanitarian action.
Our conversation focused on advancing preparedness, resilience, and support for communities.
Charles Businge retweeted
In Nairobi today, I was honoured to welcome His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, alongside colleagues from the @IFRC and the @KenyaRedCross.
More than 307 million people across Africa experienced hunger in 2024. Together, we must move beyond managing crises and invest in durable, locally led solutions.
Through the Food Security Resilience Platform and the IFRC Pan-African Zero Hunger Initiative, we aim to help 60 million people become more resilient and food secure by 2030.
Together with His Majesty, we are committed to championing African-led solutions.
