It is with profound sadness that GCERF announces the passing of Claude-Emmanuel Hiol, who joined GCERF in 2025 and passed away in an accident. Claude-Emmanuel was working as an intern within the Sahel portfolio, supporting grant management activities in Mali. He was a valued member of the GCERF family, and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him.

We extend our sincerest condolences to Claude-Emmanuel’s family, friends, and loved ones. GCERF stands with them during this immeasurably difficult time, and we grieve alongside them.

A graduate of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, where he completed his Master’s degree in International and Development Studies, Claude-Emmanuel came to GCERF with a sharp mind and dedication. His academic grounding in conflict, development and security issues made him a natural and valued contributor to GCERF’s mission. 

Those who worked alongside him remember him as someone knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely sweet. He treated everyone around him with warmth and respect.

His time was brief with us, but he will be remembered with great fondness by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find the strength and comfort they need in the days and weeks ahead.

Remember him in his own words, delivered at the TEDx Graduate Institute: Why we should seek people, not aesthetics | Claude -Emmanuel Hiol | TEDxGVAGrad.