Burundi's former First Lady, Denise Nkurunziza has told mourners at Gitega's football stadium that her late husband Pierre Nkurunziza did "noble deeds", and had "a good end and a peaceful death".
Mrs Nkurunziza had to leave her hospital bed in Kenya, where she was being treated for an undisclosed illness, a day after the government announced her husband's death from a cardiac arrest on 9 June.
She told the nation she was thankful to God for giving her and her five children strength:Quote Message: I personally have lost my love, children have lost their parent. I thank God for giving us strength to be standing in these hard times, after suddenly losing someone you love."
"I personally have lost my love, children have lost their parent. I thank God for giving us strength to be standing in these hard times, after suddenly losing someone you love."
Tanzania's prime minister and Zambia's first lady are among thousands of people present at Friday's ceremony.
Nkurunziza is to be buried later in the capital Gitega in a special mausoleum that was built in the two weeks since he died.
Afterwards the national flags in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania will be raised again having been flown at half-mast for a fortnight in his honour.
The opposition in Burundi and human right groups have frequently accused Nkurunziza's government of being highly intolerant and committing gross human rights violations.
Latest Stories
-
Yaw Nsarkoh: Bit by bit we will understand China
22 mins -
Looted and returned: Asante royal artefacts on display for public viewing at Manhyia Museum
52 mins -
Suspected killer in Kasoa land dispute shooting not a National Security operative
1 hour -
Ghana appoint four Para Athletics coaches in Preparation for Paris 2024
1 hour -
Kumasi Cheshire Home decries inadequate equipment; seeks public support
2 hours -
UCL: Niclas Fullkrug hands Dortmund first leg advange over PSG
2 hours -
GPL: Accra Lions beat Hearts of Oak to go third
4 hours -
Seek higher grounds as rains intensify – GMet warns
4 hours -
May Day: Sam Ankrah promises to prioritise welfare and well-being of workers if elected president
4 hours -
Bawumia plans door-to-door campaign for 2024 polls
4 hours -
GAF condemns ‘unprovoked’ fatal shooting of soldier in Kasoa land dispute
5 hours -
OSP’s request for money laundering probe against Cecilia Dapaah baseless – AG advises EOCO
5 hours -
Obofour Raphael releases ‘Asem Yi Di Ka’ EP
5 hours -
‘Operation Clean Your Surroundings’: Popular Kenkey joint and public toilets in Takoradi shut down
6 hours -
GFA boss Kurt Okraku graces Dreams FC’s dinner to celebrate CAF Confederation Cup exploits
6 hours