Botswana’s former president, Festus Mogae, renowned for leading the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS, has died at the age of 86.
Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, confirmed Mogae’s death during a national broadcast on Friday and declared a three-day national mourning period in his honour.
Boko described the late former president as a distinguished statesman and patriot who dedicated his life to serving Botswana and strengthening national development through responsible leadership and public service.
Although details surrounding his illness were not disclosed, reports indicated that Mogae died in a hospital in Gaborone while receiving medical treatment.
Mogae served as Botswana’s president from 1998 to 2008 and was widely recognised for promoting sound economic management, good governance and stability in the diamond-rich southern African nation.
He earned international recognition for his leadership in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, implementing policies and programmes that significantly improved public health outcomes during his administration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mogae previously served as Botswana’s finance minister and vice president before becoming the country’s third president after independence in 1966.
An economist by training, Mogae was widely credited with successfully managing Botswana’s economy and sustaining growth through prudent fiscal policies and institutional reforms during his years in public office.
