Botswana’s former President Festus Mogae dies at 86
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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Lagos: LNSC nabs 130 suspected hoodlums in early morning raidÂ
Mr Oyekan said the operation followed reports of criminal activities targeting motorists.
Faith
2027: Christian, Muslim youths sign peace accord in Abuja
The peace accord aims to promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Heading 2
NAGAFF urges freight forwarders to shun bribery, embrace professionalism
He urged freight forwarders to undergo professional training at the NAGAFF Academy.
Heading 4
Niger seals 12 unregistered Islamic medicine stores, health facility over regulatory violations
Mr Suleiman said the affected facilities were issued 21-day notices to correct the identified deficiencies.
World
FAO: World food prices rise to highest since 2022 amid adverse weather, war
Prices rose by 2.5 per cent indicating an increase compared to last year’s figure in the same month.
States
Remi Tinubu launches food bank in South-South
The programme targets vulnerable households, particularly children under six, among others.
