The African Union has joined the global community in offering condolences following the passing of former Botswana President, Dr Quett Ketumile Joni Masire.
He was the second president of Botswana from 1908 to 1998.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said that
the late Dr Masire had played a critical role in facilitating Botswana independence, through the Botswana Democratic Party and voluntarily stepped down from the Presidency in 1998.
“A true Pan-Africanist, Dr Masire made invaluable contributions in seeking peaceful solutions to challenges in African countries such as in South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Ethiopia, Somalia, Lesotho the DRC, to name but a few,” said Faki.
He also noted “with great appreciation the efforts of the late President Masire when he served as Chairman of the International Panel of Eminent Personalities Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding the 1994 Rwanda Genocide from 1998 to 2000.”
“Following the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, the late President Masire served as the facilitator for the Inter-Congolese National Dialogue, an assignment which he undertook with great responsibility and dedication,” he said.
The AU Commission Chairperson described as a “selfless man and true patriot” who, in 2007, set up the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation, aimed at promoting social and economic well-being of Batswana.
“Sir Ketumile was also a founding Member of the Global Leadership Foundation which works to support democratic leadership, prevent and resolve conflict through mediation and promote good governance in the form of democratic institutions, open markets, human rights and the rule of law,” said Faki.
