The Late Festus Mogae. [Photo: File]GABORONE – The government of Botswana has declared three days of national mourning following the death of former President Festus Mogae and Chairperson of South Sudan’s Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, who passed away early Friday morning at the age of 86.
Incumbent President Duma Boko announced the news in a live televised address, stating that Mogae died at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time after a brief illness. President Boko described the late leader as a “distinguished statesman and patriot” whose life was defined by honour, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the service of his people.
Contribution to peace in South Sudan
For the people of South Sudan, the late Mogae was more than a foreign dignitary; he was a central figure in the nation’s arduous journey toward stability.
Following his retirement from domestic politics, Mogae was appointed by IGAD in 2015 to serve as the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) before its reconstitution. In this high-stakes role, he was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).
During his tenure from 2015 to 2018, Mogae became a familiar face in Juba, often acting as a firm yet fair arbiter between warring parties. He was known for his candid assessments of the peace process, frequently calling for greater political will and an immediate end to ceasefire violations.
Legacy of leadership
Born in August 1939, Mogae served as Botswana’s third president from 1998 to 2008. His presidency is globally celebrated for two major achievements:
Economic Stability: An Oxford-trained economist, he managed Botswana’s diamond wealth to ensure one of the highest growth rates in Africa.
The Fight Against HIV/AIDS: At a time when Botswana faced a devastating epidemic, Mogae became the first African leader to publicly take an HIV test, pioneering a free antiretroviral treatment program that saved countless lives.
In recognition of his “principled leadership” and for handing over power peacefully after his two-term limit, Mogae was awarded the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2008.
National mourning
Effective immediately, flags across Botswana and at its diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast. The three-day mourning period allows the nation—and the many international peace bodies he served—to reflect on a legacy of “good governance”.
