French President Nicolas Sarkozy and a dozen heads of state from around Africa gathered in Gabon on Tuesday to mark the death of President Omar Bongo after more than four decades in power. Around 40 heads of state or their representatives paid their last respects to Bongo ahead of a military parade in honour of the veteran president, who was Africa's longest serving leader when he died in a Spanish clinic just over a week ago.
Bongo's body was due to be flown to Franceville, the main town in the south-eastern province of Haut-Ogooue where he was born, for burial on Thursday. "It is very emotional. It is a farewell ceremony so I am sad," said Libreville resident Daniel Mba, as he waited for the parade in the oceanside capital's Independence Square.
France's former President Jacques Chirac and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner joined leaders filing up to Bongo's flag-draped coffin. Religious leaders led them in prayer. French radio reported that Chirac was cheered but Sarkozy was booed by some in the crowd outside the presidential palace, highlighting the tight but complicated relationship Paris maintains with its former colonies.
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