A distinguished visitor from South Africa

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa made a two-day state visit to Switzerland at the end of October 2025. fedpol accompanied the president from his arrival in Zurich until the moment of his departure – under the code name Operation RAINBOW.

The sun was peeking over the tops of the Bernese Alps as South African president Cyril Ramaphosa was met at Hotel Bellevue early in the morning of 29 October. Accompanying him was Bruno, who was responsible for coordinating security with all partners on fedpol’s behalf and had prepared the security arrangements meticulously.

The two-day state visit held no surprises for the fedpol officer. He carried the programme with him at all times, neatly folded, even though he knew it like the back of his hand. The first preparatory session had been held in late August, with further meetings to follow. A week before the visit, Bruno met with all partners from both countries to discuss the agenda and all operational details. Nothing was left to chance. Along with his partners from South Africa, he reconnoitred all the places Cyril Ramaphosa was scheduled to visit. Keeping all parties informed and maintaining open, clear communication are just as important as the risk analysis, as Bruno well knows. Diplomatic skill is also essential for a smooth operation. The cantonal police forces in Bern, Zurich, St Gallen and Thurgau played a particularly important role in Operation RAINBOW, as they were responsible for implementing the security measures. The Military Police, Air Force and SBB Transport Police were also involved.

Present every step of the way

Bruno accompanied the delegation every step of the way and knew exactly what to look out for. He was particularly vigilant as the South African president arrived at Bern’s Parliament Square in an armoured vehicle shortly after 3pm. This was the most critical stage of the visit: the entire square was cordoned off, and a small crowd of onlookers had gathered around the edge. A few people were waving small South African flags and hoping to shake President Ramaphosa’s hand. But everything remained calm.

Parliament Square had been prepared for the reception and was looking its best: the red carpet had been rolled out, the South African and Swiss flags were fluttering in the wind, and the military band was ready to begin its fanfare. Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter greeted Ramaphosa and introduced him to her colleagues on the Federal Council. This was followed by military honours, and both countries’ national anthems were played. The atmosphere remained festive and peaceful.

The visit then continued to the Parliament Building and the Bernerhof, where the federal and South African presidents signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen relations between their two countries. From the lobby to the meeting room, fedpol’s security personnel – some of whom were armed – watched closely to ensure everything went according to plan. They were prepared for any eventuality, but fortunately, their services were not required.

The next day, the delegation travelled to eastern Switzerland, the home of Federal President Keller-Sutter. From there, they headed straight to Zurich Airport, where the South African delegation boarded their plane to Johannesburg and Bruno climbed into his car for the drive back to Bern. The tension slowly ebbed away: Operation RAINBOW had been a success.

“It is essential to liaise with all our partners, particularly our foreign colleagues, to discuss operational details. Specifically, this involves deciding how the motorcade will be organised and where the security officers will be stationed.”

Bruno, officer in the Protective Security Division

Security measures on the rise due to global political conflicts