Chetty First Seychellois Nominated For IFRC VP for Africa
October 22, 2026
By: Joshua Marie
Seychellois humanitarian Chrystold Chetty has become the first Seychellois to be nominated for the position of Vice-President for Africa of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Chetty, honorary president and founding president of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS), has more than 37 years of experience in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
His nomination has been accepted by the IFRC Elections Committee, with the election scheduled to take place during the Federation's General Assembly at the end of November 2026.
Speaking to SNA, Chetty said his decision to contest the position reflects his longstanding involvement in humanitarian work and his desire to continue contributing to the international movement.
Chetty explained that he put himself forward for the position through the RCSS, which subsequently nominated him.
"I was very confident that I can continue to give time for something I have a passion for and for which I think will be for the good of the world in general," he said.
Although the position is designated for Africa, Chetty emphasised that the responsibilities of an elected vice-president extend beyond the continent.
"I'm going as Vice-President on an African platform, but this doesn't restrict us to that platform only," he explained.
The IFRC brings together national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, coordinating humanitarian assistance and supporting communities affected by disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
Strengthening Africa's humanitarian response
Chetty's candidacy comes as humanitarian organisations across Africa face challenges ranging from armed conflicts and climate-related disasters to limited resources and increasing demands for emergency assistance.
Under his manifesto, titled Together for a Resilient Tomorrow, Chetty has identified strengthening National Societies as one of his main priorities.
"I want to, first of all, give National Societies the importance that they have and to strengthen National Societies," he told SNA.
Using Seychelles as an example, Chetty said the effectiveness of a national Red Cross society depends on its ability to operate independently and maintain the resources needed to deliver humanitarian assistance.
"For them to be effective, they have to be strong, to have the proper governance system, the proper financial sustainability, the proper resources, so that they can properly help communities in the country," he said.
His manifesto also calls for greater African participation in the Federation's decision-making processes, arguing that African National Societies should be recognised not only as organisations implementing humanitarian programmes but also as leaders capable of shaping priorities and solutions.
Other proposals include improving transparency and accountability, encouraging cooperation between National Societies, investing in young humanitarian leaders and supporting digital transformation.
Another major concern raised by Chetty is the safety of humanitarian volunteers, particularly those working in areas affected by armed conflict.
"We are an organisation of volunteers, so we need to find ways of continuing to support volunteers and encourage volunteers to continue serving and, more importantly, to offer protection to our volunteers," he said.
Chetty expressed concern that humanitarian workers are sometimes attacked or killed despite protections provided under international humanitarian law.
"Often our volunteers are attacked, our volunteers are killed," he said.
He believes the Federation must continue engaging governments to promote respect for international humanitarian law and strengthen protections for those delivering assistance.
Chetty also highlighted the increasing difficulty humanitarian organisations face in securing funding.
"More and more it's getting very difficult to get funding from organisations," he said.
His manifesto proposes stronger financial management, equitable access to resources and partnerships that build local capacity rather than create long-term dependence on external assistance.
Chetty confirmed that he has been actively campaigning for the position, engaging with Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders across Africa and other regions.
"I do have quite strong support on the African continent," he said.
Over the past several months, he has held discussions with National Society representatives, participated in webinars and attended international meetings to present his vision.
"I've been in the past four or five months discussing with many of them. I'm on a campaign trail," he said.
His preparations have included meetings in Geneva and engagement with representatives from other regions, including the Middle East and North Africa.
Chetty brings extensive leadership experience to the candidacy, having previously chaired the IFRC Finance Commission for ten years, served on its Governing Board and spent four years as Vice-Chair of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
He has also held leadership positions within African and regional Red Cross structures.
His election would mark a new milestone for Seychelles' participation in international humanitarian governance and give a Seychellois representative a senior leadership role within the Federation.
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