André Bösiger, 22 July 1913-13 April 2005 [Tribute from CIRA Lausanne]

The CIRA in Lausanne is sad to announce the death of one of its founders and most loyal stalwarts, André Bösiger. But for André, we would never have managed to find premises in Geneva nearly fifty years ago, let alone install shelving, move premises several times over and store cubic metres of surplus materials; but for André, our financial straits would be even more critical than they are; but for André, the CIRA’s collections would be the poorer.

However, he was a lover not so much of old books as of people and above all of direct action. On arrival in Geneva as a youngster, it did not take him long to join the ranks of the union and of the Ligue d’Action du Batiment (Construction Action League), the LAB, where the watchword “lousy pay, lousy work” was adhered to literally. He was in the front ranks of the antifascist demonstrators on 9 November 1932 when troops opened fire, killing thirteen men, including his best friend. Later he filled truck after truck for the anarchist militias in Spain, packing in foodstuffs, clothing and tools to disguise more offensive gear. He loaded up wagon after wagon to help out the resistance in France during the so-called last war. Twice he served a year in prison for refusing to serve in the Swiss army which opens fire on workers more often than on any foreign foe, and was not intimidated: he used the time to delve into the Petit Larousse. During the war in Algeria he smuggled men and gear across the border, finding work for friends, debating self-management with Ben Bella and Michel Raptis and ferreting out lodgings and money. And did the same for deserters or anti-Francoist activists.

He had a hand in the whole CIRA venture and then in the resurrection of Le Réveil anarchiste and the magazine MA!, and was free with his criticisms, but at all times generous and full of solidarity. His wife (Ruth) Coucou‘s death in 1990 and the demise of most of his comrades from his labour struggles left him a somewhat lonely, figure in spite of the loyalty of a few former comrades and the unearthing of new ones.

He has left behind a book of memoirs Souvenirs d’un rebelle (Saint-Imier, Canevas 1992, reissued by CIRA and still available) and an interview, Écoutez André Bösiger, filmed by Bernard Baissat and Alexandre Skirda in 1993. He also appears in documentaries about Swiss volunteers in the Spanish civil war, one by Richard Dindo and another by Daniel Künzi. Vivid images of his laughter, twinkling eyes, passionately held views and fraternity linger on.

CIRA, Lausanne. 

Translated by: Paul Sharkey.