The late Gabonese president, who passed away on Tuesday June 8 in a private clinic in spain, is set to be interred in Franceville, Ogooue- his region of origin.

Final resting place

Tuesday, June 16, marked the state funeral that saw scores of foreign dignitaries and heads of states from other African nations paying their respects to the deceased President. Libreville was packed with well-wishers from all over the country expressing grief and sadness over the loss of the one whom many called father of the nation.

Thousands of mourners followed the cortege from the presidential palace to the seaside parade grounds and then to the Libreville international airport where the remains of the man who ruled Gabon for 41 years would be flown to Franceville, his final home. His interment, scheduled to take place on Thursday 18 June 2009 at 11h00, will be a private ceremony attended only by the late president’s family.

Gabon will follow an official 30 days of mourning in the president’s memory after which elections should be organized. Interim president, Rose Rogombe is scheduled to organize official elections 45 days after her appointment to determine Gabon’s next president.