Botswana's President Duma Boko has announced a three-day mourning period following the death of the country's third President, Festus Mogae. 

Mogae died in his residency in Gaborone yesterday.

Mogae led the once diamond-rich nation from 1998 to 2008 and won international acclaim for good governance and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Addressing the nation, Boko described Mogae as a distinguished statesman and a patriot whose life was devoted to serving his country with honour, integrity, and extraordinary diligence.

"In recognition of his immense contribution to the Republic of Botswana, I declare three days of mourning during which national flags will fly at half mast in honour of His Excellency Mr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae."

Boko said Mogae stood firmly for discipline, good governance, economic prudence and the advancement of the southern African nation.

Born ​on August ⁠21, 1939, in Serowe in the central part of Botswana, Mogae studied in Britain before joining Botswana's civil service ​shortly after independence in 1966.

He entered politics and served as finance minister and vice president before becoming president.