Addis Ababa, 24 June 2017 (ECA) - 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.”
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: ecainfo@uneca.org