By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae; Image Credits: TeachAids.
Botswana’s former president Festus Mogae, who led the diamond-rich nation for a decade has died at the age of 86, the government said.
The country’s current president Boko Duma confirmed the passing of Mogae and declared three days of national mourning.
The former president, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, had been in ill health for some time.
In a statement last month, the government said he was receiving medical care at a hospital in the capital, Gaborone, without disclosing the nature of his illness.
Mogae is widely credited with strengthening Botswana’s economic management and governance systems during a period of rapid growth driven by diamond revenues.
He is also credited with steering Botswana’s response to the HIV/Aids epidemic. At the time, his country had one of the world’s worst infection rates, but an ambitious antiretroviral treatment programme significantly reduced infection and mortality rates.
Even after leaving office, he remained an advocate for HIV/Aids treatment in the region, pushing for free antiretroviral therapy and measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
He was subsequently involved in various international advisory and peace mediation roles across the continent.
In 2008, Mogae won the the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership – one of the most prestigious honours for African governance – recognising his democratic leadership and peaceful transfer of power.
Mogae served as Botswana’s third president from 1998 to 2008, handing power to his vice president, Ian Khama in a smooth transition.
Born in Serowe on August 21, 1939, Mogae studied in Britain before joining Botswana’s civil service shortly after independence in 1966. He served as finance minister and vice president before becoming president.