Former Botswana President Festus Mogae has passed away at the age of 86 years, President Duma Boko, has announced.
“Today Botswana mourns distinguished statesman and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of the country, who died early on Friday,” Boko announced.
Mogae born in 1939, he build the Botswana’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, where he served as the third president from 1998 to 2008.
Working at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), serving as Minister of Finance, Mogae later become the vice president before becoming the president. In his time, he shaped policies that guided the nation’s economic growth.
His legacy continues to inspire leaders across the continent, as he earned international respect for his principled governance
At epidemic of the HIV/AIDS that occurred around the world, he steered the country’s response to championing treatment programs that significantly reduced infection rates and saved countless lives.
President Boko has declared three days of national mourning, which flags will fly at half-mast in honor of the late Mogae.
