By Desmond Nleya
GABORONE- Festus Mogae, Botswana’s former president who led the country from 1998 to 2008, has died at the age of 86, according to an announcement made by the presidency on Friday.
A respected economist educated in Britain, Mogae was widely recognised for overseeing a period of strong economic growth and political stability during his decade in office. He first became president after succeeding Ketumile Masire, under whom he had served as vice president.
Current Botswana President Duma Boko paid tribute to Mogae, describing him as “a remarkable leader and servant of the people whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his life.”
The government has declared three days of national mourning, with flags across the country to fly at half-mast in his honour.
Mogae earned international praise for confronting the HIV/AIDS crisis at a time when Botswana had one of the highest infection rates in the world. His administration introduced bold public health initiatives that helped expand treatment and awareness programmes nationwide.
In recognition of his leadership, Mogae received the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2008 for promoting stability, democracy, and prosperity in Botswana during a challenging period.
After leaving office, he continued serving Africa in diplomatic and peace-building roles, including chairing the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission responsible for overseeing South Sudan’s peace process.
Mogae was succeeded in 2008 by Ian Khama, the son of Botswana’s founding president and former military commander.
