ECA Mourns the Passing of Botswana's Former President, Sir Ketumile Masire

4 June 2017

Addis Ababa — Abdalla Hamdok, Acting Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Botswana's former President, Sir Ketumile Masire.

In a letter to President Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Mr. Hamdok expressed his condolences to the government and people of Botswana and described the former President as a visionary leader, who launched Botswana "onto a sustainable trajectory towards the country's development, anchored on a firm foundation of democracy and respect for the rule of law."

"We particularly offer our heartfelt comfort to Sir Ketumile's family members and all beloved ones who should certainly be terribly touched by the demise of RraGaoe, as he was affectionally known," said Hamdok.

He noted that Sir Ketumile's visionary leadership for the Republic of Botswana was also equally instrumental in inculcating the same values and ideals for which he steadfastly stood within the SADC region and beyond.

Mr. Hamdok expressed his and the ECA's hope that Sir Ketumile's "indelible legacy would continue to inspire confidence in the Republic of Botswana and the SADC region in further consolidating the peace and development dividend whose realization he tirelessly contributed to."

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.