Botswana's former President Festus Mogae dies aged 86
Botswana has announced the death of former president Festus Mogae at the age of 86 and declared three days of national mourning.
President Duma Boko said the country was grieving the loss of a "remarkable leader and servant of the people".
Mogae led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, serving two five-year terms before handing power to Vice President Ian Khama in a smooth transition.
He was the country's third president and had previously served as finance minister and vice president.
The government said Mogae was praised for good governance and for his role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He was also credited with overseeing strong economic growth during his time in office.
His death matters now because he was one of Botswana's most prominent post-independence leaders and a figure closely associated with the country's political stability.
The announcement has prompted an official period of mourning across the country.
Mogae was born in Serowe on 21 August 1939 and studied in Britain before joining Botswana's civil service shortly after independence in 1966.
