Africa-Press – Botswana. The President of Botswana, Duma Boko, announced the death of former President Festus Mogae at the age of 86.
Boko stated on his account on the American platform “X”: “Botswana mourns today a prominent national statesman who dedicated his life to serving his country,” adding that Mogae passed away early Friday morning.
Before assuming the presidency, Mogae held several high-ranking government positions, including Minister of Finance and later Vice President.
He is widely credited with leading Botswana’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as the country had one of the highest infection rates globally at that time.
However, an ambitious antiretroviral treatment program significantly contributed to reducing infection and mortality rates.
Even after leaving office, he continued to advocate for the provision of AIDS treatments in the region, calling for free access to antiretroviral therapy and measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
He later participated in various international advisory roles and peace mediation efforts across different parts of the African continent.
In 2008, Mogae received the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, one of the highest awards related to good governance in Africa, in recognition of his democratic leadership and peaceful transfer of power.
In addition to the financial award of $5 million (£3.6 million), Mogae received an annual stipend of $200,000 for life.
He was succeeded in the presidency by Ian Khama.
Botswana is considered one of the most politically stable countries in Africa, having never experienced a military coup and maintaining regular multiparty elections since its independence in 1966.
The former president, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, had been suffering from health issues for some time.
The government stated last month that he was receiving medical care at a hospital in the capital, Gaborone, without disclosing the nature of his illness.
Mogae, the third president of the country, is credited with enhancing economic management and governance systems in Botswana during a period of rapid growth driven by diamond revenues.
In his address to the nation on Friday, Boko praised Mogae as a leader who “upheld discipline, good governance, and prudent economic management, driving the nation’s progress.”
He added: “During his tenure, Botswana earned international respect for its commitment to principled governance.”
Boko declared a national mourning period of three days, during which flags will be flown at half-mast in honor of the late president.
