![\"AI](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775686753_375_nambian-ai-article-placeholder.png\")
<\/p>\nPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Botswana president Festus Mogae, who died on Friday at the age of 86.<\/p>\n
She describes him as a distinguished statesman, committed pan-Africanist and principled leader whose contribution to regional unity and development will be remembered with admiration across Africa.<\/p>\n
In a statement issued on Friday, she says Mogae\u2019s contribution to Botswana, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the African continent would be remembered with great respect and admiration.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring his tenure as president of Botswana, Namibia was under the leadership of our founding president, Sam Nujoma, and later our second president, Hifikepunye Pohamba.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was during this period that the already warm and historic ties between Namibia and Botswana continued to flourish, strengthened by a shared vision for regional peace, stability, economic cooperation and African unity,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Nandi-Ndaitwah says Mogae played a key role in deepening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.<\/p>\n
She adds that his calm leadership, wisdom, humility and commitment to good governance earned him admiration beyond Botswana\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n
The president recalls the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect that characterised relations between Namibia and Botswana during Mogae\u2019s presidency, as both countries worked together through SADC to advance regional integration, development and prosperity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Namibia joins Botswana in mourning this profound loss, we stand in solidarity with the people of Botswana during this difficult period of grief and remembrance,\u201d Nandi-Ndaitwah says.<\/p>\n
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian\u2019s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday
\n\t\t\t\tto Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours \u2013 occasionally with
\n\t\t\t\ta light, witty touch.
\n\t\t\t\tIt\u2019s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\twhile
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmaintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.<\/p>\n