Botswana mourns the loss of former President, Festus Mogae

Former Botswana President Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86.

The announcement was made by current Botswana president Duma Boko. Reports state Mogae had been ill for some time.

Paying tribute to the former leader, Boko said the country is mourning the loss of a distinguished statesman and a patriot who devoted his life to the service of his country.

“As a nation, we grieve the loss of a remarkable servant leader of the people whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his life,” he said.

Mogae was the third president of Botswana, after taking up the country’s first seat in 1999. He served two terms.

President @duma_boko has announced 3 days of national mourning following the passing of Former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae.

“As a nation, we grieve the loss of a remarkable servant leader of the people whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his life.” pic.twitter.com/rmmKdoeici

— Office of the President| Republic of Botswana. (@BWPresidency) May 8, 2026

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐞🕊️🇧🇼

My heart and prayers go to the family and all Batswana pic.twitter.com/exDGUhBjYs

— Hon Jacob Kelebeng (@KalaharianSon) May 8, 2026

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