The late leader's casket is given a military salute
Mourners dressed in white have packed the stadium where the funeral of Burundi's late leader Pierre Nkurunziza is taking place, two weeks after his sudden death.
His body was escorted under heavy security from a hospital in the central city of Karuzi, with thousands of people heeding a call to line the road towards the ceremony in the capital Gitega.

AFP news agency has photos of events there, where social distancing was not observed.

Burundi's government said he died from a heart attack, but there is speculation he had coronavirus as his wife had been ill with the disease.
Mr Nkrunziza died shortly after an election won by Evariste Ndayishimiye, who was sworn in last week. The former president was accused of serious human rights abuses.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Thomas Partey returning from injury great news for Arsenal – Mikel Arteta
9 mins -
A ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse is coming soon. Here’s what you should know
34 mins -
More than 1,300 children and teens have been killed by guns so far this year
44 mins -
We expect banks to rebuild capital buffers quickly – BoG
48 mins -
BoG commences development of framework to assess sustainability of banks – Governor
1 hour -
Seychelles opposition politician charged in witchcraft case
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
1 hour -
NADMo has collapsed, unable to provide relief for victims of tidal waves – Dzifa Gomashie
3 hours -
German museum employee swaps painting for fake and sells original to fund ‘luxury lifestyle’
3 hours -
Why you lose interest in people who have the most interest in you
3 hours -
Suspected jihadists kill dozens of Niger soldiers
3 hours -
Alan Kyermaten’s resignation from NPP is a benefit for Ghana – Asiedu Nketia
3 hours -
I just want us to live in peace – Basketmouth apologies to AY, others
3 hours -
Trump turns up in court to blast ‘scam’ fraud trial
3 hours -
NDC will return to IPAC if it is reverted to its advisory role – Asiedu Nketia
4 hours