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On a continent too often defined by corruption and violence, he helped make Botswana an example of good governance and economic development.
Ketumile Masire, Botswana president known as model leader of model African nation, dies at 91
He helped solidify his country’s standing as one of the most richly thriving nations on the continent.
His death, announced in a statement by his family, was reported by the Associated Press. The cause was not disclosed.
Mr. Masire was widely heralded as a model leader in a model nation on a continent where poverty, corruption and violence had crushed many hopes for stability and prosperity.
“We have seen the promise of a new Africa whose roots are deep here in your soil, for you have been an inspiration to all who cherish freedom,” U.S. President Bill Clinton declared to Mr. Masire during a visit to Gaborone in 1998.
Clinton noted that in 1966 when Botswana — then known as Bechuanaland — obtained independence from Britain, it had two miles of paved roads and a single public high school. Its chief export was beef. . . .
Ketumile Masire, Botswana president known as model leader of model African nation, dies at 91
He helped solidify his country’s standing as one of the most richly thriving nations on the continent.
- Emily Langer
- ·
- 16 hours ago
His death, announced in a statement by his family, was reported by the Associated Press. The cause was not disclosed.
Mr. Masire was widely heralded as a model leader in a model nation on a continent where poverty, corruption and violence had crushed many hopes for stability and prosperity.
“We have seen the promise of a new Africa whose roots are deep here in your soil, for you have been an inspiration to all who cherish freedom,” U.S. President Bill Clinton declared to Mr. Masire during a visit to Gaborone in 1998.
Clinton noted that in 1966 when Botswana — then known as Bechuanaland — obtained independence from Britain, it had two miles of paved roads and a single public high school. Its chief export was beef. . . .