19 May 2026

Dr Festus Mogae political legacy extends far beyond Botswana’s borders, with his influence felt across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond.

Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr Jakaya Kikwete made that bold assertion while conveying a message of condolence at the State Funeral Service of the third President of Botswana, Dr Mogae, held on Saturday. He said Dr Mogae’s life was characterised by humility, wisdom, integrity and unwavering dedication to public service in Botswana and across Africa, earning him admiration throughout the continent.

“President Mogae was a distinguished son of Africa, who made important contributions towards advancing the pan-African agenda, promoting regional integration, African unity, peace and political stability,” Mr Kikwete said.

He noted that Dr Mogae contributed significantly to the development of SADC and to conflict resolution efforts on the African continent, including serving as chairperson of the South Sudan peace process monitoring and evaluation mechanism, a role later assumed by Mr Kikwete in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Special Envoy on South Sudan.

“Those of us who are from outside Botswana have observed how he advanced the legacies of his two predecessors, the founding President of this great country, Sir Seretse Khama and the second President Sir Ketumile Masire. His leadership has transformed Botswana and strengthened its standing as one of Africa’s stable, well governed and a model democracy,” Mr Kikwete said.

Former Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, speaking on behalf of Lesotho’s Head of State, King Letsie III, and current Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, also paid tribute to Dr Mogae’s life of service.

“His passing is not only a loss to Batswana, but to the entire African continent which he served with unwavering dedication and humility. President Mogae was a statesman of rare vision and integrity. 

He steered Botswana with prudence and foresight, ensuring that the country’s vast natural resources were used for the benefit of Batswana,” Mr Mosisili said.

He said Dr Mogae would also be remembered for his courageous leadership in confronting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

“At a time when silence and stigma threatened the very fabric of our societies, President Mogae spoke with clarity and compassion. 

He championed one of the most comprehensive anti-retroviral treatment programmes in Africa, saving countless lives and restoring hope to families in Botswana and beyond,” he said.

Mr Mosisili described Dr Mogae as a brother in the pursuit of peace, democracy and development in the region.

He recalled that early in his presidency, Dr Mogae authorised the deployment of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) troops to Lesotho in 1998, alongside the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), to help restore peace and stability following post-election unrest.

“We celebrate his enduring legacy. He showed us that leadership is not about the accumulation of power, but about service to one’s people in particular and humanity in general. His humility, wisdom and devotion to the common good will continue to inspire generations of Africans to come,” Mr Mosisili said.

Regional dignitaries who attended the burial included former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Zimba.ENDS