The former leaders of Botswana and Liberia have been shari their tributes to the UK's Prince Philip, who died earlier on Friday aged 99, with our colleagues at Focus on Africa.

Former Liberia President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said the news was "a very sad event" adding that she will remember him as "accommodating":

“I met him during the period of the presidency of William Tolbert of Liberia, who had been invited by the Queen. He was so stately, so accommodating, the warmth that he was able to convey in those short moments of being able to greet him, just gave me reassurance that I was in the presence of greatness. It just makes you feel so good, it makes you feel so welcome."

I met him during the period of the presidency of William Tolbert of Liberia, who had been invited by the Queen. He was so stately, so accommodating, the warmth that he was able to convey in those short moments of being able to greet him, just gave me reassurance that I was in the presence of greatness. It just makes you feel so good, it makes you feel so welcome."

“So for all of us who had that opportunity, we are very saddened to see him pass on. We convey our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen as she continues her duties without him by her side.”

Former Botswana President, Ian Khama, said Prince Philip's death was a loss for the Commonwealth.

“When people talk about the royals, I don’t think they quite understand what it takes, what it means to be able to carry out that role and the duties that comes with it. For me that’s what I admire so much about him and the Queen.

When people talk about the royals, I don’t think they quite understand what it takes, what it means to be able to carry out that role and the duties that comes with it. For me that’s what I admire so much about him and the Queen.

“This is a loss not just for the Queen and the Royal family but I think for the UK and the Commonwealth. He was one of a kind, he had a mind of his own and he spoke it. I admired him and the Queen and the way they carried their duty. It’s going to be very difficult for those who come after him to be able to carry out the same functions in the way he did.”