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Gabon ready for funeral of Bongo Leaders in Gabon at Bongo funeral
(about 3 hours later)
The state funeral of President Omar Bongo is to take place in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. The state funeral of President Omar Bongo is taking place in Libreville, the capital of Gabon.
French President Nicholas Sarkozy and at least a dozen heads of African states are taking part. French President Nicholas Sarkozy and at least a dozen African leaders are attending. Mr Sarkozy was jeered by dozens of onlookers, reports AFP.
Mr Bongo, who ruled Gabon for more than four decades, was Africa's longest-serving leader. He died after a long illness in a Spanish clinic last week.Mr Bongo, who ruled Gabon for more than four decades, was Africa's longest-serving leader. He died after a long illness in a Spanish clinic last week.
He is due to be buried in his hometown, Franceville, in the south-east of the country on Thursday. He will be buried in Franceville, his hometown in the south-east on Thursday.
The presidents of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sao Tome and Togo are among those expected to attend Tuesday's ceremony. When Mr Sarkozy arrived at the presidential palace in Libreville some people applauded but boos from the crown soon took over, AFP news agency reports.
Foreign dignitaries will pass in front of Mr Bongo's coffin at the presidential palace, where it has lain in state since last Thursday. According to the news agency, dozens of onlookers jeered at the French president, shouting things like: "We don't want you - leave."
Ali-Ben Bongo (left) is expected to address the mourners Embezzlement inquiry
Under Mr Bongo, oil-rich Gabon kept close economic and political ties to France. The former colonial power has around 1,000 troops stationed in Libreville.
OMAR BONGO Led Gabon for nearly 42 yearsOil money means Gabon officially one of richest countries in AfricaHe denied corruption charges in French courtsAllowed multi-party polls in 1993; opposition said they weren't fair Having a laugh with Omar Bongo Gabon teacher not mourning Bongo
Mr Sarkozy was joined in the capital by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and former French President Jacques Chirac.
In his last months, Mr Bongo's relations with Paris were overshadowed by a French investigation into allegations of embezzlement.
Two other African leaders who are the focus of the same inquiry, Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, were due to attend Tuesday's funeral in Libreville.
The presidents of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Senegal, Sao Tome and Togo are also expected.
Foreign dignitaries passed in front of Mr Bongo's coffin at the presidential palace, where it has lain in state since last Thursday.
Thousands of Gabonese have been been lining up at the palace over last few days to pay their respects.Thousands of Gabonese have been been lining up at the palace over last few days to pay their respects.
The coffin is then due to be moved outside for a two-hour military procession after a prayer service.The coffin is then due to be moved outside for a two-hour military procession after a prayer service.
Correspondents say it is likely the late president's 50-year-old son Ali-Ben Bongo, who is Gabon's defence minister and a favourite to succeed his father, will address the funeral. Ali-Ben Bongo (left) is expected to address the mourners
Rose Francine Rogombe took over as interim head of state last week and has 45 days to organise elections in the West African nation. Correspondents say the late president's 50-year-old son Ali-Ben Bongo, who is Gabon's defence minister and a favourite to succeed his father, may address the funeral.
Also present for the ceremony is African Union Commission President Jean Ping, a Gabonese who some analysts have speculated could be a contender in the forthcoming presidential election.
Rose Francine Rogombe took over as interim head of state last week and has 45 days to organise polls in the West African nation.
It emerged last month Mr Bongo was being treated in a Barcelona clinic, amid unconfirmed reports he had cancer.It emerged last month Mr Bongo was being treated in a Barcelona clinic, amid unconfirmed reports he had cancer.
The government said on Monday of last week that the 73-year-old had died of a heart attack.The government said on Monday of last week that the 73-year-old had died of a heart attack.