By Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland The Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr. Lansana Gberie, joined the bereaved family—Moiyah and Jean Marc, relatives, friends, and sympathizers—to lay to
rest the late Ms. Wadia Nathalie Nina Berge in her father’s home village of Chemin de Picarel, 11410 Montauriol, located between Toulouse and Narbonne in the SouthWest of France.
Ms. Berge passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at her residence in Annemasse, Central Eastern France. She was 26 years old.
A vigil was held on Thursday, August 28, followed by a funeral service on Friday, August 29. In an atmosphere of deep sorrow and remembrance, family members, friends, and colleagues paid tribute to Ms. Berge’s life and legacy.
Delivering a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the Mission, Ambassador Dr. Gberie described Ms. Berge as a bright and promising young woman whose life was full of potential.
“Her parents invested in her for over two decades. She was well educated, holding a master’s degree, and this was supposed to be the beginning of her journey—to build a career, start a family, and enjoy the fruits of her labor. But the God who created us all called her suddenly. This is a time of deep reflection on our own lives. The Mission will remain forever grateful for her service and will always remember her,” he said.
Deputy Ambassador to France, Madam Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, also attended the funeral as a close friend of the bereaved family to convey the condolences of the Embassy.
“As we gather here, I encourage everyone to remember her parents in our prayers, asking God to help them through this difficult period,” she appealed.
Justice Miatta Samba, currently serving as Judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), was also present at the funeral, attending as a close friend of the bereaved family.
Deputy Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, WTO, and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, Samuel U. B. Saffa Esq, also attended the funeral.
Ms. Berge had been serving with the Mission since April 2025 as an intern, attached to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). She was known for her dedication, professionalism, and passion for diplomacy and humanitarian work.
The Mission extends its deepest sympathies to Ms. Berge’s family, friends, and the wider diplomatic community, and prays that her gentle soul rests in perfect peace. Ameen.
