The state funeral of France-Albert René, the former president of the Seychelles, has taken place in Mahé, the largest island of the archipelago – and flags on public buildings are flying at half-mast.
Mr René, who led the Indian Ocean nation for 27 years until 2004, died at the age of 83 last month.
Approximately 500 invited guests paid their respects to the former president at State House in the capital, Victoria as his body lay in state.
The ceremony included a 21-gun salute with full military honours.
His funeral cortege then travelled through the capital to a stadium where members of the public could pay their respects.
All along the way, women dressed in red – the colours of the People’s Party – spontaneously broke into song as the procession passed by in a solemn tribute to the former head of state.
This was followed by an inter-faith service at the stadium, followed by a burial service at the Mont Fleuri Cemetery, where he was buried next to his mother’s grave.