Botswana has entered a three-day period of national mourning following the death of former President Festus Mogae at age 86.

President Duma Boko announced the mourning period after Mogae died at his residence in Gaborone.

Mogae served as Botswana’s third President from 1998 to 2008.

President Boko described him as a distinguished statesman and patriot dedicated to serving Botswana with honor and integrity.

Mogae was widely respected for sustaining Botswana’s stability and prosperity and received the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2008.