The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has welcomed Switzerland’s Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Dr Thomas Oertle, as he prepares to formally assume his diplomatic responsibilities in Accra.
Dr Oertle succeeds Ambassador Simone Giger, whose four-year posting in Ghana was marked by extensive engagement with the Centre and the broader peace and security architecture, helping to deepen Switzerland’s longstanding partnership with KAIPTC through training, research, dialogue and capacity-building initiatives.
The Swiss diplomat, who was appointed to the three-country mission in August 2026, brings extensive experience in diplomacy and international cooperation to his new assignment. Before his appointment to Ghana, with accredited to Benin and Togo, Dr Oertle served as Switzerland’s Head of Mission in Muscat, with responsibility for Oman and Yemen.
His previous assignments also include serving as Regional Head for Swiss International Cooperation in the Horn of Africa, based in Nairobi, where his responsibilities covered Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. He has also headed the Middle East and North Africa Division of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Bern and served as Deputy Head of Mission and later Chargé d’Affaires at the Swiss Embassy in Damascus.
Since arriving to take up his new assignment, Dr Oertle has outlined his intention to strengthen Switzerland’s longstanding partnerships across government, business, academia, civil society and cultural institutions. He has placed particular emphasis on dialogue, listening to different perspectives and identifying areas of common interest and cooperation.
His arrival comes as Switzerland continues to maintain a strong partnership with KAIPTC, which it has supported for years as one of the Centre’s key international partners. Switzerland’s support has contributed to KAIPTC’s work in peacebuilding, research and the training of civilian and military personnel, while Swiss experts have also contributed to training programmes at the Centre over the years.
During Ambassador Giger’s tenure, cooperation between Switzerland and KAIPTC was further strengthened through a number of initiatives, including migration management training programmes organised with support from the Swiss Government and the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration. In 2024, Ambassador Giger served as Guest of Honour at the opening of the second phase of the Migration Management Course, which brought together practitioners and policymakers from across West Africa.
Ambassador Giger also played an active role in advancing Switzerland’s support for peacekeeping capacity-building. In November 2025, she participated in the opening of a Protection of Civilians Course jointly organised by KAIPTC and the Government of Switzerland, reaffirming her country’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of peacekeepers to protect civilians in complex conflict environments.
Her successor, Dr Oertle, now takes over at a time when the partnership between Switzerland and KAIPTC remains firmly rooted in a shared commitment to peace, security, dialogue and sustainable development.
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