General (retd) Christophe Keckeis, former Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces (2004-2007) and GCSP Associate Fellow since 2016, has passed away on Friday, May the 1st. He was 75 years old. The GCSP executive team and staff extend their deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Lieutenant General Keckeis was a passionate fighter pilot and his military career led him to the highest peace time position in the Swiss Armed Forces, were he was acknowledged for his discipline, his generosity and his honesty. After his retirement, he became among other Chairman of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).

In 2016, Keckeis became GCSP Associate Fellow and contributed to the diplomatic dialogue in the Middle East as well as to the Defence Attaché courses. Thanks to his charisma and experience, his fascinating lectures were a highlight of our courses. He contributed to the development of a lasting dialogue with the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, loyalty and warmth and remains a luminous inspiration.

Ambassador Christian Dussey and Colonel Christian Bülhmann