Gaborone – Family members, dignitaries, and the public gathered at Parliament in Gaborone today to pay their respects to former Botswana President Festus Mogae, whose body is lying in state.
Widow Barbara Mogae, flanked by relatives, joined Acting President Ndaba Gaolathe and Parliament Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse on Wednesday, May 13, in honouring the late statesman.
Mogae, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, died last week at the age of 86.
He has been accorded a state funeral, scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026.
An event that forms part of the state funeral schedule for the departed statesman.
In a statement, the Botswana government said: “The body of the former president, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, is today lying in state at Parliament in Gaborone.
“An event that forms part of the state funeral schedule for the departed statesman.
“The public has the opportunity to view the body and pay their last respects to the former statesman until 6pm.”
