Robert Bou Jaoude

Robert - Its hard for me as it is for all those who loved and cared for you to say goodbye. We first got to know each other in the early 2000s when we were both working on the Lebanon Country Program. Our friendship then continued to grow as we popped in and out of our professional lives, for a long time in MENA (especially in Iraq) and then in Africa. Alongside being a warm and trusted friend, you were also my financial advisor! We last spoke in depth during a call recently to exchange notes about our Country Programs and during the Annual Meetings. I will miss your humanity, humility, and humor my friend -- and pray for you and your family members. May we all cherish your loving memory. Rest in heavenly peace, Robert.

Firas

I met Robert in DC and then heard the next day that my friend is gone. With the years, your face shows your experience and personality. All the pictures show the same kind, sweet face that I remember. No matter how dark and hurtful and depressing the situation, Robert always brought a ray of sunshine with his compassion and beautiful heart. I had the privilege of being touched by his warmth, being neighbors in the Islamabad office. There wasn't a single day we didn't share a laugh and he was so so so very devoted to his family. Keep shining Robert!!!

Robert is suddenly gone and leaves us orphaned of his wise advice, his guidance, his friendly barbs and his unfailing professionalism. The last sentence he wrote to me, "Let us aim to make a difference for the people impacted", is a proof of his constant concern for efficiency, results and impact, especially for the populations who benefit from our interventions, and that he had at heart our common slogan People First. May he rest in peace with his Lord and may his good deeds towards the people he has served throughout his career be rewarded! Ameen

Robert was a great friend. We first met many years ago, when we both worked in Islamabad, and regularly shared Saturday morning coffee and laughter. I remember spending a few days in Lahore with Rob and visiting the India-Pakistan Border together and where we had so much fun. We kept in touch after our respective spells in Pakistan came to an end, and in addition to being a great friend, he also became a wonderful mentor, I especially remember our catch ups when I was based in Beirut and he would spare time for a Lebanese coffee when visiting his family. Indeed, on every occasion we met, he talked about his family with much warmth and devotion. He was a true family man. I also remember his wonderful sense of humor, and the fact he cared so much about his his team. We were last in touch in October as the troubles in his home country of Lebanon flared up. I am devasted that this is the last time we interacted. It was a privilege and honor to know Robert. The words "great guy" are often overused, but in Robert's case they do not nearly go far enough in describing how wonderful he was. Robert I shall miss you deeply,

Dear Robert, you will always be remembered. Your kind and welcoming presence during our first encounter when you served as CM in CAR, along with your generosity, will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to your beloved family, whom you cherished so deeply and lived for, especially your children. This loss is profoundly saddening. May you rest in eternal peace.

Deeply saddened for Robert's unfortunate passing. I had the privilege to work with him on Iraq and Lebanon. Robert was a kind, dedicated hard working professional, who loved his friends and family and had a good sense of humor, especially in endearing situations.. It's a big loss for the World Bank and for his family. May he rest in internal peace.

Robert was an inspiring professional and wonderful person and I am deeply saddened by his passing, far too soon. My heartfelt condolences to his family and everybody who knew him.

We will miss your good humor. may your soul rest in peace.

Robert was a wonderful colleague, friend, and mentor to so many of us. The shock of his sudden passing is still a lot to bear, but looking at his smile on this picture warms my heart. This is how I will remember him. He lived a good, meaningful life and I am forever grateful for having crossed his path.

You left us too soon dear Robert. Here are great memories together back in 2005 in Iran (by the Caspian Sea). Your family should be so proud of you.

I'm deeply saddened by his passing. He will always be remembered as a colleague who radiated passion for development, kindness, and an ever-present smile.
LM

Robert smile was always there to greet me each time I would travel to Baghdad. His experience helped me understand how to operate in a fragile environment. Each time he would be in DC he would always stop by and tell me the news with good spirit. I miss my chats with him and his sense of humor.

Cher Robert,
Voici venu le moment où je me retrouve à t’écrire ces quelques lignes dans ton livre de condoléances. Je n’aurais jamais imaginé que notre dernière conversation physique dans ton bureau, avant ton départ pour les États-Unis, serait la dernière. Tu as été mon manager, un bon manager, ouvert, compétent et engagé, mais surtout très humain. Tu as été un mentor pour moi, une figure paternelle, un guide. Ta passion, ta bonne humeur et ton pragmatisme me manqueront. Tu resteras à jamais dans mon cœur. Puisse Dieu te faire miséricorde et couvrir ta famille que tu laisses derrière toi de grâce. Ab.C

It was shocking news when I heard about Robert's passing, as I had just talked to him a few days earlier asking him to pass by Cairo on one of his trips home and he promised he would, but unfortunately this will not happen. He was an extremely nice man, very supportive and encouraging, and on the personal level, he was funny, generous and very very kind hearted. He will be greatly missed in the Egypt country office. He had a presence that impacted all those who knew him. Rest in Peace Robert.

Cher Robert,

Ta bonne humeur, ta gentillesse et tes conseils avisés vont manquer à toutes celles et ceux qui ont eu la chance de te cotoyer au Mali et ailleurs. Puisse ton ame reposer en paix et que ta famille trouve la force de surmonter cette immense et douloureuse perte.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Robert. We first met in Djibouti, and I had the privilege of our paths crossing again in the Sahel. Robert will be greatly missed for his wisdom and kindness, serving as a remarkable model for the entire Lebanese community.

To his family, friends, and all colleagues, please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

Anne-Cecile Souhaid

You’ve been so kind, supportive, and committed. May you rest in eternal peace, dear Robert. May God assist your family and give them the strength to accept this tragic situation.

Abdou

Dear Robert,
I consider myself so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you. Your sense of commitment, calm and passion for fragile states have always been inspiring. You will be missed by so many including me. My deepest sympathies and sincerest prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace dear Robert.

Dear Robert,

This is so devastating. You will be dearly missed, Rest in peace, Lots of love to the family.

Camilla

Dear friend Robert - I can't believe what happened and now we miss your friendship and sense of humor. Anyway, that's life. Will remember our good time in the FM community then in the Africa RMT. Peace forever...

Robert, you were a wonderful friend and wonderful colleague. I remember with lots of fondness our times in Islamabad - your hospitality, generosity, kindness and relentless work ethic - we supported the client in tough situations - and your dedication and determination were instrumental in making them happen. I remember our late night chats and drinks and our meetings and all the funny incidents with the clients in KP and FATA -
we will miss you dearly! you were a colleague a friend and a mentor!

rest in peace (I cant believe I am saying that)

Robert was such a gentle and sweet soul. He always had a nice word for everyone. May God bless his soul and give his family the strength to bear such a tragic loss. We will miss you dearly Robert. Repose en paix.

Robert was a dear friend to everyone he met. I'm deeply grateful for the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his infectious humor. He will be deeply missed, but his memory and legacy will forever be cherished.

Cher Robert,
On s'est connus en 2018 quand tu etait CM a Bangui et je me souviens de nos rires lors de notre visite des Bonobos a Kinshasa! Tu as toujours eu cet incroyable sens de l'humour. Mais c'est surtout depuis ton arrivee au Mali (et moi au Niger) que nous avons appris a nous connaitre plus et a travailler en permanence ensemble. Tes connaissances et tes conseils toujours avises me manquent tous les jours et je suis encore en denis par rapport a ton depart premature... Que la terre te soit legere et que ton etoile continue a briller pour nous tous!

Robert, you lived all the values we strive to emulate. For many of us who worked with you, you were a role model for integrity, dedication, respect, and caring for each other. Since the first day I met you in the early 2000s, you’ve always been a selfless and kind soul who always put others first; and on your last day, you were fighting to help the poorest among us get a better life. Rest in peace dear Robert, we will forever remember your legacy and the impact you had on so many of us.

Robert will be dearly remembered for his unwavering integrity, compassion, and humor. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, fostering a positive and inclusive environment that will leave a lasting impact on all who knew him. I am deeply grateful for the time I spent with Robert, and I will always carry his memory with me. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this challenging time. May Robert rest in eternal peace.

Dear Robert,

You always had an urgency to get things done for our beneficiaries. You played the groundwork for us to follow. May you rest in peace!

Takady

I joined the World Bank Group office in Mali in early July 2024 as GFF Liaison Officer. Two months later, it was Robert who introduced me and a colleague of mine to the team during an after-work drink. I found him to be a humble, kind and gentle person. I did not spend much time with him, but I could sense his professionalism during the few meetings I attended with him. His death is a tragedy for his family and colleagues. I pray for the eternal repose of his soul and send my sincere regards to all his family.

A star dimmed too soon with your sudden passing dear Robert...
Even so, your legacy at the Bank and beyond will shine forever bright.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Rest in eternal peace.

Nayé

Très cher Robert,
Merci pour la formidable et gentille personne et collègue que tu as été pour le CMU du Mali et tout ton inestimable soutien à notre équipe. Que Dieu t'accueille dans son Saint Royaume où tu te reposeras de toutes tes labeurs. Qu’Il continue de consoler et de veiller sur ta famille. RIP

My dear friend and colleague, I prefer to remember you only for the good times of jokes and laughter between us in the office in the mornings. You knew how to make us laugh in Bamako office to de-stress. I'll also always remember our last trip to the Annual Meetings. As usual, you looked after me, telling me that I “could be your son”. It's true that we'd known each other for a long time in Bangui office, where you were Country Manager and I was Communication Officer, supervising the CAR office.

Go in peace, dear Robert !

Robert - you always had a warm smile to share as we continued to cross paths, anchored in our days working in Yemen. I was always so happy to note your various promotions and movement to challenging yet interesting positions - showed me that nice and genuine people really can move up and around. Certainly was a rich life you lived, and I am grateful for the friendship. The world lost a great soul with your passing. May you rest in peace. Best regards - Gail

Chaque fois que je pense à Robert, c'est difficile. Mes sincères condoléances à la Famille, que le Seigneur vous fortifie et vous console.
Robert, le Tout-Puissant a choisi de te rappeler auprès de lui à la veille de la Toussaint et à deux jours de la fête des Défunts. Que par sa miséricorde infinie, la Lumière de son visage brille sur toi. Puisses-tu avoir en héritage, son royaume de paix, de vrai bonheur, amen ! Paix à ton âme.

It was a great shock to learn of Robert’s passing. We met for lunch in August in Ashrafieh. The last message I received from him was on October 9, asking about his family in Lebanon. Robert was always optimistic and hopeful. His last message was, “Take care and see you soon, war has to end someday.” It was an honor to have met him.

I will forever cherish our last moments in Lebanon and keep his words of wisdom close to my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s family during this difficult time.

May you rest in peace, my dear friend.

I contributed to hire Robert to the Bank in Lebanon early 20s. I attended together with my wife his marriage ceremony in Beirut. Robert was somehow shy but you could easily see he was very serious especially at work. You could give him any assignment and will do his best to treat all aspects with no exception with a lot of professionalism and efficacy. I met him one day before he passed away at WB HQ. We were happy to see each other after many years. To me God wanted us to meet before his death. What strikes me is that he looked healthy and in good spirit. He was so happy with his daughters two of them finishing medical studies this year. What a loss for his family his friends and colleagues. God bless his soul.

It is with profound sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Robert. He has been a beloved colleague, and I will forever cherish the memories of working and having fun with him in Iran and Lebanon many moons ago. His professionalism, commitment to the World Bank's mission were an inspiration. May you rest in peace.

Dear Robert,
I feel truly grateful to have shared part of my stay in Bamako with you. Your unwavering support and genuine kindness were a constant source of strength, and your dedication to your work set an inspiring example for everyone around you. You showed us all what it means to care deeply—for people and for the work we do together.
Your compassion and commitment have left a lasting mark on my life, and I know I’m not alone in this feeling. Thank you, Robert, for being a true inspiration. Your legacy lives on in each of us who had the privilege to work by your side.

Robert, your sudden departure is a tremendous shock to me. We faced many challenges and shared successes together in our work in Mali, successes you were so proud of. I have rarely encountered a colleague as kind, caring, and passionate about his work, with such unwavering commitment to achieving results. Your sincere interest in people was evident and something I deeply valued. It is difficult to imagine moving forward without your guidance. My thoughts are with your colleagues and friends, but most of all, with your family.

In my last message to you in late September, I wrote “It was truly a pleasure and an honor to work with you”. You are one of those rare, remarkable people who leave an indelible mark in others lives. A gentle soul and incredible colleague, always ready to listen and offer support no matter the circumstances. Your Memory will live on, Eternal. Rest in peace and may all the kindness you showed to others and specially to me, be returned to you a hundredfold.

I enjoyed your humor, I valued your advice. Rest in peace, Robert, and may the strength be with your family.

It is with profound sorrow that I learned the sudden passing of Robert Bou Jaoude during his visit to Washington. For the past 24 years, Robert has been a dear and beloved colleague, whose dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Throughout these years, Robert's unflagging commitment and integrity shone brightly, inspiring all those around him.

My journey with Robert began in 2000 and lasted 9 years in MNA. Although our paths diverged after I left MNA, we were fortunate to reunite during his distinguished tenure as Country Manager in CAR, and once again, during his final tenure as Operations Manager in Mali. His commitment and unwavering support were instrumental in advancing our dialogue with governments. His efforts to modernize governance systems were not merely administrative tasks; they were driven by a profound belief in fighting poverty by eliminating inefficiencies and combating fraud and corruption.
Honorable Robert, as I reflect on our shared experiences, I do so with a bleeding heart. Your legacy of dedication and love for your work will forever remain in our hearts and minds. I pray that God grants your soul eternal rest in heaven.
Rest in peace, dear Robert. Your memory will forever be cherished.

Abduljabbar Hasan

Dear Robert, We worked together in CAR and in Mali. You were so passionate with your work and so friendly. May your soul Rest in Peace.

Robert, you brought so much to our workplace - not just your skills and expertise, but also your kindness, laughter, and support. Your positive spirit and dedication will leave a lasting impact on all of us. We will miss you. Rest in peace.

Robert, you seemed to face every challenge with determination and a smile. May we all follow your example.

Une âme apaisante et joviale qui nous manquera certainement. Robert je te souhaites de dormir en paix , puisse Dieu t’accorder une place au paradis et faciliter cette dure épreuve à ta famille.

Robert, memory is the way we keep those departed alive. We will keep you in our memory. We will remember your passion and optimism, and the commitment you showed all of us on how to help those in difficult circumstances. Rest in peace.

Robert you will be missed as a friend, a colleague and a mentor. Rare are those like you who are passionate for their work, and will always be available to support and help others. You were always my go to colleague for guidance and mentoring.

You will be missed, Salim

Robert

Merci pour ton professionalisme et ta quete inlassable pour l'intéret des clients. Que ton ame repose en paix.

Fraternellement.

To you, whose presence will be missed forever, I wish eternal peace.

Robert, que ton âme repose en paix, une pensée pour ta famille et tes proches. C'est avec stupéfaction et choc que j'ai appris cette nouvelle, j'ai du relire au moins 10 fois l'annonce envoyé aux collègues pour être sur d'avoir saisi le sens du message et qu'il s'agissait bien de toi. Les mots manquent parfois pour décrire une situation, des ressentis.
Ta personnalité et ta gentilesse nous manqueront vraiment, tu nous invites par cette situation à prendre énormément de recul sur la vie, le travail et la santé. Merci pour tout, merci, merci et merci.
Mes sincères et profondes prières pour toi et ta belle âme !
Repose en paix et que dieu bénisse ta famille,

May your soul rest in peace!

Helen Okeke

C’est avec tristesse et une vive émotion que j’ai appris la disparition de Robert. Ainsi cet homme si généreux, si aimable nous quitte en laissant derrière lui un grand vide. Je retiens de lui son très grand professionnalisme, sa simplicité et sa très grande courtoisie. Dors en paix Robert.

Mes sinceres condoleances a la famille de Robert. Que Dieu console les coeurs et essuie les larmes. Que Dieu l'accueille au paradis aupres de lui et que son ame repose en paix. Amen

Today, we remember Robert, who made a meaningful impression on me even though I only knew him for a short time. He was dedicated, kind, and committed to his work and colleagues. He will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family. May we carry forward his legacy by embracing the kindness and strength he shared with us. Rest in peace Robert.

The news struck me as I was in DC during the AM. We had just spoken a week earlier and you had impressed me with your positive energy and aura. You will be missed as you were a true example of leadership, humanity, humility. You brought hope and joy in the Mali Office. We pray that you rest in perfect peace.

صديقي، أشكرك على مساعدتك القيمة في بانغي ومنطقة الساحل. أشكرك على روحك ولطفك ونصيحتك. إننا نفتقدك. وداعا صديقي العزيز. صديقك إدريس

Je suis extrêmement reconnaissant pour ton soutien et ton accompagnement constants. A jamais présent dans nos cœurs.

There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone. Rest in peace!

Your life is over, but your memory lives on. Rest in peace, Robert!

We just met and I can't believe this news - may you rest in eternal peace.

You will remain in our thoughts for ever. Thanks for all your contribution to advance positively things in Mali CMU.

What a shock you are gone physically, Robert, though you are in my heart and I have been thinking of you deeply. I appreciated your invite to help AWCW3 earlier this year and thus the opportunity to have gotten to know you, even if our time was brief. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts, and celebrate your life even amid the sadness. Thank you.

A gentle soul, a great friend, and such an amazing colleague - gone too soon. Thank you for the memories, the joy and laughter you shared with us on the way. So long, my friend, till we meet on the other side.

Though you're gone, the memories we shared will always be a source of admiration and inspiration. Your commitment to the noble mission of our Institution and to your teams are unparalleled , and we will carry your legacy with us always. Rest in peace.Robert

My dear childhood friend, neighbor and family,
So sad to hear about this great loss. My deepest and sincere condolences. My heartfelt and sympathy during this painful time. To the family I know words can't bring someone back, but I do hope they bring you some comfort during the darker days.
I know for sure you are in a better place dear Robert. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Pierre Emile Farah

Dear cousin you went from our sight but never from our hearts we will miss you and love you always.

Though we parted ways long time ago, Your Memory is always Eternal. RIP Dear Friend.

“Our beloved friend, you may have left us far too soon, but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Rest in peace my friend.

In loving memory of an amazing colleague and friend