Former President of Botswana dies after a career full of achievements
At the age of 86
Written by Mohamed Omran
The government of Botswana announced the death of former President Festus Mogae at the age of 86 and declared three days of national mourning.
The state mourned the head of state Botswana Former Botswana president Festus Mogae said he led the country with diamonds for a decade and was widely praised for good governance and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Former President of Botswana Festus Mogae
It is worth noting that Mogae served as Botswana's third president from 1998 to 2008, handing over power to his deputy, Ian Khama, in a smooth transition that highlighted the southern African nation's reputation for political stability.
Mogae, an economist by training, is credited with the successful management of Botswana’s economy, where he publicly tackled HIV/AIDS at a time when Botswana was facing one of the highest infection rates in the world, and adopted one of the most comprehensive programs in Africa to combat it.
Mogae was born in Serwe on August 21, 1939. He studied in Britain before joining the Botswana Civil Service shortly after independence in 1966 and served as Minister of Finance and Vice President before becoming President.
Mogae resigned after the end of his maximum term allowed by the constitution, which is two terms.
