Botswana’s former president, Sir Ketumile Masire has died aged 91.
Maire had been hospitalised in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit at Bokomoso Hospital since June 18, the Independent reports.
The Board of Trustees of the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation (SKMF) issued a statement last night announcing his death.
Masire was born on July 23, 1925 in Kanye, Botswana, and became the second president of the country representing the Botswana Democratic Party. He was in power from 1980 to 1998.
Masire was Botswana’s longest serving president, and was credited with introducing Botswana’s two-term limit on ruling presidents and the automatic succession by the vice-president on the retirement of the sitting head of state.
People on twitter send their condolences;
What a sad day for #Botswana. The Nation mourns. We also celebrate a great man, a life well lived!! Oh what a man!! Your legacy lives on RRE pic.twitter.com/RIqrc8Ione
— Indomitable Gogontlejang (@GogontlejangP) June 23, 2017
Rest in Peace Sir #Masire. We celebrate your life. You left a great legacy for generations to come.
— Jenny Seloka (@jcquah) June 23, 2017
1. President Masire was the main architect of what may have been Africa's most successful economic transition.
— Razia Khan 📚 (@raziakkhan) June 22, 2017
