Last updated: 16 june, 2009 - 16:01 GMT

Gabon Bongo funeral

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African presidents and their French counterparts have been paying their respects to the late Gabonese President Omar Bongo at a funeral service in the Gabonese capital Libreville.

Mr Bongo will be buried in his home village on Thursday. He died a week ago at a Spanish hospital, reportedly of prostrate cancer. Until his death he was Africa's longest serving Head of State.

During Mr Bongo's 40 year rule, France and Gabon enjoyed an especially strong relationship.

According to French radio, some mourners booed the French President, Nicholas Sarkozy, as he arrived for the ceremony.

Gabonese journalist Linel Kwatsi witnessed events.


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