Passing on of ambassador Mr. Samuel Otsile Outlule

It is with a deep sense of sorrow that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the passing on of Ambassador Samuel Otsile Outlule, on 23rd May 2022, in Gaborone. At the time of his passing, Ambassador Outlule was Botswana`s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the European Union, a position he assumed in 2011. He was also concurrently accredited to Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Italy, and was serving as the Dean of Botswana Envoys.

Ambassador Outlule was born on 8th July 1957, in Maunatlala, Botswana. He graduated from the University of Botswana and Swaziland, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Politics and Administration in 1982. Subsequent to completing his tertiary education, Ambassador Outlule joined the Botswana Foreign Service in 1982, and for forty years, he dedicated his life to serving the country and citizens in the field of diplomacy.

Ambassador Outlule is fondly remembered as a devoted member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who was committed to supporting the building of a prosperous Botswana. He was greatly valued and respected by the Ministry community and colleagues within the diplomatic field.

During his service as a career diplomat, Ambassador Outlule held a number of positions which enabled him to actively contribute to advancing Botswana’s interests abroad. Among others, he served as Head of Africa and the Middle East; Director of International Relations, as well as, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abroad, Ambassador Outlule served at a number of Botswana’s Diplomatic Missions, including in Zimbabwe; United Kingdom; United States of America, where he was Botswana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (2005-2008); and most recently in Belgium. Throughout his journey of service, Ambassador Outlule made notable contributions to Botswana’s development agenda. Among others, while serving as Botswana’s Ambassador in Belgium and Head of Delegation to the European Union, Ambassador Outlule was instrumental in promoting Botswana’s economic and trade interests in his work that covered European Union – African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (EU-ACP) issues.

In addition to his decades of service in the diplomatic field, Ambassador Outlule also served the nation in other capacities. In this regard, from 2000-2005 he held the post of Clerk to Cabinet and Senior Private Secretary to the Former President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Mr. Festus Mogae; and from 2010-2011, he served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

As a patriotic citizen of Botswana, Ambassador Outlule was indeed a quintessentially humble and honourable man who served his country with passion, purpose and distinction. A distinguished natural leader and mentor, Ambassador Outlule contributed immensely to the development of Botswana and its people.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Botswana, the Ministry is profoundly grateful to the Outlule family for lending their son to serve the nation at home and abroad. May the Almighty be the source of their strength and comfort during this difficult time.
May the dear soul of our colleague rest in eternal peace.