08/05/2026
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗨𝗠𝗔 𝗕𝗢𝗞𝗢’𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗚𝗔𝗘
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I address the nation this morning to announce the passing of the Former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who departed this life today, the 8th of May 2026, at 7:30am.
Today, Botswana mourns a distinguished Statesman, a patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country.
His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae served Botswana with honour, integrity and extraordinary diligence. From his early years in the public service, to his stewardship in key national and international institutions, and ultimately as the Third President of the Republic of Botswana, he stood firmly for discipline, good governance, economic prudence and the advancement of our nation.
Under his leadership, Botswana earned international respect for principled governance, sound economic management and a steadfast commitment to democracy. He carried the name of Botswana with dignity across the world and remained throughout his life, a voice of reason, unity and progress.
To the Former First Lady Mrs. Barbara Mogae, the family, and the nation at large, I extend my deepest condolences. I further convey my profound gratitude for the unwavering support, grace and strength with which you stood beside the Former President throughout his years of service to the nation. Botswana remains indebted to both of you for your sacrifice and commitment to the public good.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the Republic of Botswana, I declare three days of mourning, during which national flags will fly at half mast in honour of His Excellency Mr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae. Other details will follow in due course.
May his life continue to inspire us to build a Botswana that reflects the ideals he so faithfully upheld.
𝘈 𝘮𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘸𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘸𝘦 𝘰 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘬𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘰.
