In recognition of his wise rule, Botswana lowers its flags to half-mast in mourning for its former president.
The man credited with the successful management of Botswana's economy and the fight against AIDS
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
The government of Botswana announced on Friday the death of former President Festus Mogae at the age of 86. He was the man who led the diamond-rich nation for a decade and was widely praised. For governance Good governance and the fight against HIV/AIDS, while the government declared three days of national mourning.
Mogae served as Botswana’s third president from 1998 to 2008, handing power to his deputy, Ian Khama, in a smooth transition that highlighted the southern African nation’s reputation for political stability.
Mogae is credited with the successful management of Botswana's economy.
Mogae, primarily an economist, was credited with the successful management of Botswana's economy. He publicly addressed 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, serving as Minister of Finance and Vice President before becoming President.
Mogae stepped down from his post after the end of the maximum allowed term of two presidential terms under the constitution.
He received the African Leadership Excellence Award
As a result, he received the Mo Ibrahim Award for Excellence in African Leadership, which aims to honor African heads of state who were democratically elected, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and left office after serving their constitutional term.
The prize is worth $5 million, paid over 10 years, plus $200,000 annually for life. It was founded by Sudanese-British businessman Mohamed Ibrahim, and among its winners is former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy also awarded Mogae a high honor on March 20, 2008, for his “exemplary leadership” in making Botswana a “model” of democracy and good governance.
Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Climate Change
In addition, after his presidency, Mogae served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, and in 2010, he joined the advisory board of the US non-profit organization TeachAids.
His family life
Festus Mugai married Barbara Mugai in 1967, and they have three daughters, born between 1969 and 1987: Namitsu, Chidza, and Boykaigo.
