On March 27, 2025, in a ceremony held in Paris, French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, awarded the Légion d’Honneur to Dr. Alice Mogwe, recognizing her unwavering dedication to human rights advocacy.
Dr. Mogwe is the founder and director of DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, established in 1993. Through this organization, she has championed the rights of marginalized communities in Botswana and Southern Africa, including the Basarwa people, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, displaced persons, and refugees.
In 2019, Dr. Mogwe made history by becoming the first Sub-Saharan African woman elected as president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). She was re-elected for a second term in 2022, leading the federation through its centenary celebrations.
Minister Mohamed-Soilihi commended Dr. Mogwe for her steadfast commitment to defending human dignity amid global challenges where human rights are increasingly under threat. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Ambassador Olivier Brochenin, Ambassador Mustaq Moorad, and French MP Bruno Fuchs, president of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly.
This accolade adds to Dr. Mogwe’s distinguished list of honors, which includes the French National Order of Merit awarded in 2005. Her recent recognition by the French government underscores her significant contributions to human rights both in Botswana and internationally.
Congratulations to Dr. Alice Mogwe on this well-deserved honor.
