Former President of Botswana Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86.

Former President of Botswana Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86. This was reported on May 8 by the Reuters news agency with reference to the government of the country.

Three days of national mourning have been observed in Botswana on the occasion of the death of the former president.

Mogae was born on August 21, 1939. He was educated as an economist and has held key government positions over the years, including Finance Minister and Vice President.

The politician served as President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008. During his time in power, he paid special attention to the fight against HIV and AIDS. During a period of high infection rates in Botswana, the country's authorities implemented one of the largest disease control programs in Africa.