President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a Condolence Message to her counterpart, the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Ian Khama, following the death of former President, Sir Quett Ketumile Joni Masire.

Sir Ketumile Masire, who was 91 years old, died on June 22^nd, 2017. He was Botswana's second president and served his country from 1980 to 1998.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Sirleaf noted that it is with deep sadness that the Government and people of Liberia learned of the death of Sir Ketumile Masire, who was a leading figure in Botswana’s independence movement.

Sir Ketumile Masire is remembered as the longest serving president of Botswana who is credited for introducing Botswana’s two-term limit of the presidency. He also played a crucial role in facilitating and protecting Botswana’s steady financial growth and development.

“His leadership as chairperson of the International Panel of Eminent Personalities Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, of which I was a member, can never be forgotten,” the Liberian leader stressed.

On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, President Sirleaf extended to President Khama, and through him, to the Government and people of Botswana, especially the bereaved family, heartfelt condolences for the irreparable loss sustained.

She prayed that the Almighty God will grant His Excellency Mr. Khama and the people of Botswana strength, courage, and fortitude as they go through this difficult period of mourning.