23 Mar 2016

Botswana’s ambassador to Belgium, Mr Samuel Outlule, has confirmed the safety of all Batswana living in Brussels, Belgium following attacks at the Brussels airport and Maelbeek subway station on Tuesday.

In an a telephone interview, Mr Outlule said the Botswana embassy was working as normal, despite the attack, adding that the presence of security personnel around the embassies was visible since the attack.

He said all Batswana who were registered with the embassy were safe. The embassy staff spoke to them immediately after the attack.

He said the attack came two days after two Members of Parliament, Messrs Gilbert Mangole and Ngaka Ngaka had left Brussels.

He said the two MPs had attended the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and Europe meeting.

Mr Outlule said the bombings occurred at a time when they were preparing to leave for the Netherlands and the trip was cancelled immediately.

He urged Batswana who were planning to take trips to Brussels to make thorough checks before leaving because Brussels airport was still closed. Ends