Former Botswana President Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86, Botswana’s presidency announced on Friday.
Mogae, who served as president of Botswana from 1998 to 2008, was widely recognised for his leadership in tackling the country’s HIV/AIDS crisis and steering economic growth during his administration.
Announcing his death, current President Duma Boko paid tribute to Mogae’s service and dedication to the nation.
“As a nation, we grieve the loss of a remarkable leader and servant of the people whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his life,” Boko said.
The Botswana government also declared three days of national mourning, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across the country.
An economist by training, Mogae studied in Britain before returning to serve in several senior government positions. He became Botswana’s third president after the resignation of former leader Ketumile Masire, under whom he had served as vice president.
During his decade in office, Mogae earned international praise for confronting the HIV/AIDS epidemic at a time when Botswana had one of the highest infection rates globally. His administration introduced aggressive public health interventions and expanded access to treatment programmes.
In recognition of his leadership, Mogae received the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2008 for promoting stability, democracy, and economic prosperity during a critical period in Botswana’s history.
He was succeeded in office by Ian Khama in 2008.
After leaving office, Mogae continued to play a role in African diplomacy and peacebuilding. He later chaired the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, helping oversee the implementation of the peace process in South Sudan.
