Gaborone – The Botswana Government has declared a three-day national mourning following the death of former president, Festus Mogae.
The former head of state, who served as the third president of Botswana from 1998 to 2008, passed away on Friday, 8 May 2026, at 86
Botswana President Duma Boko has conveyed sympathies to the grieving Mogae family and the Batswana nation at large.
President Boko said the country was in grief about losing such a disciplined and humble leader who served the country with distinction.
During the mourning period, national flags were directed to be flown at half-mast across the country.
“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.
Former president Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who succeeded Mogae, also sent his condolences.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing on of my predecessor, His Excellency Dr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae,” lamented Ian Khama.
“He was a guiding light, a trusted counsellor and a custodian of wisdom, for that I carry a unique gratitude.
“I had the privilege of working closely with him as his Vice President, and I have experienced firsthand his deep love for Botswana.”
