Former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who led the southern African nation from 1998 to 2008 and earned global recognition for his response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, has died at the age of 86.
Current President Duma Boko announced the development on Friday, describing Mogae as a remarkable leader whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his lifetime. An economist trained in Britain, Mogae oversaw years of economic growth and political stability during his two terms in office.
In 2008, he received the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.Botswana has declared three days of national mourning, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across the country.
