08/05/2026
Today, we join the people of Botswana in mourning the passing of former President Dr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae. ๐ง๐ผ
A respected leader, statesman, and servant of the nation, his contribution to Botswanaโs growth and development will long be remembered. His leadership, humility, and dedication to the country leave behind a lasting legacy that touched many lives.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and the nation during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ขโ๐ฆ ๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ก ๐ง๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐
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.
๐ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ข ๐ธ๐ข ๐จ๐ข๐จ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ฐ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฃ๐ข๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐ข ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ช๐ด๐ฐ.
