Former Botswana president, Festus Mogae, is dead.
In a national address, the country’s President Duma Boko announced that Mogae died after a period of ill health.
“Botswana mourns a distinguished statesman and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country,” Boko said.
The government had earlier confirmed last month that the former leader was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Gaborone, the capital city, although details of his illness were not made public.
Mogae, who served as Botswana’s third president from 1998 to 2008, was widely recognised for strengthening the country’s governance and economic management during his time in office.
He also maintained a longstanding relationship with Daily Trust, where he served as chairman of the Selection Committee for the Daily Trust African of the Year Award after succeeding Salim Ahmed Salim in 2016.
Mogae led the committee to select winners for the prestigious award aimed at rewarding Africans for extraordinary contributions to human development.
Paying tribute to the late statesman, Boko described him as a leader who upheld discipline, prudent governance and national development.
“Under his leadership, Botswana earned its international respect for principled governance,” the president said.
Boko also declared three days of national mourning in honour of Mogae, with national flags to fly at half-mast across the country.
Before becoming president, Mogae held several senior government positions, including minister of finance and later vice-president.
He was also credited with leading Botswana’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic at a time when the country had one of the highest infection rates in the world. His administration introduced an extensive antiretroviral treatment programme that significantly reduced infection and death rates.