Gaborone – Botswana is observing three days of national mourning following the death of former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who passed away in the early hours of Friday morning.
President Duma Boko announced the mourning period after addressing the nation on Friday, saying the country joins together in remembrance of a leader whose contribution to national development and public service helped shape Botswana over several decades.
“As a nation, we grieve the loss of a remarkable leader and servant of the people whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his life,” President Boko said. 
National flags will be flown at half-mast across Botswana during the mourning period in honour of the former head of state.
Mogae led Botswana from 1998 to 2008 and is widely respected for his disciplined leadership, dedication to good governance and role in strengthening the country’s economic foundations.
President Boko also conveyed condolences to the Mogae family, describing the late former president as a humble and principled leader who served Botswana with honour and distinction.
