CHARITY CHIRAMBA

African Group Pays Tribute to Festus Mogae The African Group comprising 10 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consuls accredited to Zambia has described the late former President of Botswana Festus Mogae as a statesman of vision and dignity whose life was devoted to the service of his country. Delivering a speech after signing the book of condolence at the Botswana High Commission in Lusaka, Dean of Ambassadors and Zimbabwean Ambassador to Zambia Charity Charamba praised Mr. Mogae for his bold leadership on HIV/AIDS, including launching one of Africa’s first free nationwide antiretroviral treatment programmes. Ms. Charamba added that Mr. Mogae broke stigma at a time when silence prevailed. The diplomats have since conveyed a message of condolence to Botswana President Duma Boko and former First Lady Barbara Mogae. Meanwhile, Botswana Chargé d’Affaires Oabona Dibeeja thanked the Ambassadors for the gesture, describing it as a reaffirmation of the bonds that unite countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In a separate tribute, Somali Ambassador to Zambia Hawa Hassan Mohamad expressed sadness at Mr. Mogae’s death and conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of Somalia.