Former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, has died at the age of 86 after an illness.
Botswana President Duma Boko announced Mogae’s death and declared three days of national mourning in his honour.
Mogae, who served as Botswana’s third President from 1998 to 2008, had reportedly been receiving medical treatment in recent weeks. Earlier, the government confirmed that he had been hospitalised in Gaborone and asked the nation to keep him in their prayers.
Born on August 21, 1939, in Serowe, Mogae studied economics at the Universities of Oxford and Sussex before joining public service. He served as Minister of Finance and Development Planning and later as Vice President before becoming Head of State.
His presidency was widely recognised for maintaining economic stability and leading Botswana’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
In 2008, Mogae received the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in recognition of his leadership, democratic governance, and service to the people of Botswana.
