JOHANNESBURG - The President of Botswana, Duma Boko, has announced a three-day mourning period in honour of the late former President Festus Mogae.
He said the national flag would be flown at half-mast.
Mogae died at the age of 86. He ruled Botswana for a decade.
Widely respected for his leadership from 1998 to 2008, Mogae is being remembered for steering the diamond-rich country through a period of strong economic management.
His decade in office also saw a rare and peaceful transfer of power to his deputy Ian Khama, reinforcing Botswana’s reputation for political stability.
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Boko said Mogae stood firmly for discipline, good governance, economic prudence, and the advancement of the country.
The sentiments were echoed by President of Botswana's Democratic Party, Mpho Balopi, who described Mogae as a stalwart of African politics.
"We'll remember his presidency that came at a defining time in our nation's history. As an economist, he helped protect and grow Botswana's economy, ensuring that our national resources continue to serve the development of Botswana.
"He also championed the fight against HIV and AIDS, helping Botswana build one of Africa's strongest national responses, earning him and the nation respect across the world. He was indeed a true democrat," he said.