Botswana’s former President Festus Mogae has died.
Mr Mogae died on Friday. He was 86 years old.
Mr Mogae, born on August 21, 1939,, was a Motswana politician and economist who served as Botswana’s third president from 1998 to 2008.
He was widely credited with strengthening Botswana’s economic management and governance systems during a period of rapid growth driven by diamond revenues.
He also helped the diamond-rich nation fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS during his time in office.
Before assuming the presidency, he held senior positions in government, including finance minister and later vice-president.
Confirming his death in a statement on Friday, Botswana’s President Duma Boko said, “Today Botswana mourns a distinguished statesman and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country.”
Last month, the government revealed that he was receiving medical care at a hospital in the capital, Gaborone, but did not disclose the nature of his illness.
