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
-
Trump criminal case: Full 12-person jury seated in Manhattan
5 mins -
Israel Gaza: US again warns against Rafah offensive
9 mins -
Man arrested in Poland over alleged Russia plot to kill Zelensky
12 mins -
Over 100 arrested as US college Gaza protest cleared
15 mins -
Justmoh Construction begins work on dualization of Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road
27 mins -
MGL visits Dumor family following passing of Mawuena Trebarh
38 mins -
In Pursuit of Peace and Unity: Interfaith Leaders Promote Dialogue – Chief Doli-Wura to Africa Union
60 mins -
TEWU raises concern over quality of food served in SHS
2 hours -
Ghanaian students gear up for Robotics World Championship
2 hours -
Political interference makes public sector managers appear incompetent – Dr Manteaw
2 hours -
Police arrest truck driver alleged to have caused train crash
3 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams FC depart to Cairo ahead of semis first leg against Zamalek
3 hours -
Liverpool exit Europa League despite 1-0 win over Atalanta
3 hours -
Roma beat Milan to set up Bayer Leverkusen clash in Europa League semis
3 hours -
Mohammed Kudus’ West Ham suffer Europa League elimination
3 hours