Bodyguards
President of the Confederation Alain Berset made an official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. The eastern part of the country, where fierce fighting was ongoing, was part of the programme. fedpol and the authorities in the host country put security measures in place.
During the two years (2023 to 2024) that Switzerland held a seat on the United Nations Security Council, Alain Berset travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a bilateral meeting with his counterpart President Félix Tshisekedi.
For fedpol, the starting point was to analyse the situation – to anticipate the unforeseeable. All risk scenarios were examined, and information was exchanged with all partners involved. Safety measures were then drawn up. The President of the Confederation enjoys protection under international law, so responsibility for the security of the Swiss delegation lies with the authorities of the host country. fedpol worked closely with them, and completed the security arrangements in the DRC.
«Personal protection missions in war zones are particularly demanding. We prepare everything down to the smallest detail and must remain agile at all times, because it is precisely in such places that the risk of a change of plan or unforeseen events is highest. This only works thanks to a highly qualified team that is ready for action at a moment’s notice.»
Robert*, commissioner, Protection of Persons and Property Division
Mr Berset arrived safely in Kinshasa; however the situation in the DRC remained volatile. The authorities were on the alert and on the lookout for the slightest suspicious behaviour or suspect object. After his meeting with Mr Tshisekedi, Mr Berset crossed the country heading east; in Goma he visited the Bushagara camp for displaced persons. Goma was also the stronghold of the rebels of the March 23 movement, also known as M23, accused of numerous acts of violence against civilians by the International Criminal Court. Fierce fighting between the army and the rebels was frequent. Extra vigilance was called for. This was also necessary when driving to Bukavu, 200 kilometres south of Goma – an eight-hour journey on roads that are often unpaved. The crime rate in this area was high. Mr Berset and his delegation travelled on secure routes. An addition challenge was fake news rumours were circulating among the population. A number of people wanted to boycott Mr Berset’s visit. The reason? His meeting with President Tshisekedi, who, they claimed, was neglecting the region. The police were ready to intervene, under orders to respond immediately to any emergency. Fortunately, no incidents were reported.
Solidarity and hope
This stage of the visit was marked by two meetings. The first took place at the Panzi Hospital with the Nobel Laureate Dr Denis Mukwege, a doctor committed to the cause of women victims of sexual violence. The second was with Christine Schuler Deschryver, Vice-President of the Panzi Foundation and Co-Founder and Director of City of Joy, a community for women survivors of violence. The meetings were fine example of solidarity and hope and an inspiring interlude for fedpol’s dedicated employees.
At the same time, back at headquarters, fedpol employees are still at work. Reachable 24 hours a day, they were the single point of contact for the people working on site. They followed the trip closely, making sure that the teams in the DRC had the resources required to carry out their security measures.
Whether visible or invisible measures are deployed on the ground or remotely, at fedpol, protection goes hand in hand with discretion.
* Name changed