Thousands have attended a mass funeral service for the 200 victims of last Sunday's blasts in The Republic of Congo's capital Brazzaville. The ceremony, which marked the end of a week of national mourning, was attended by President Denis Sassou Ngwaso, who laid a wreath at the city's main cemetery.

Soldiers stand on lorry trailers carrying coffins of the victims on March 11 in Brazzaville during a memorial service for the victims of last weekend's munitions dump blasts in the Congo capital, as authorities announced a new death toll of 223.

The last honor for the diseased, emotions and passion, at the national send off ceremony in Brazzaville. A dirge traditionally sang to the departed war heroes, but today its sang as the last respect for those who perished tragically last Sunday after the arms damp at the Mpila military base exploded.

Family members overcome by grief. Unable to contain themselves they breakdown. The sight of many more who lost loved ones their only consolation. Children who lost parents. Parents who lost children. Husband who lost wives. Wives who lost husbands. Others who lost friends. The day began at the Congress buildings where the national ceremony was held where words scripture and song were used to sooth the dead and calm the grieving families..

But only them could understand and feel their pain. As they watched the remains of their loved ones, family and friends roast in the afternoon heat. They led private lives and now they are getting a public burial. They served their nation in different capacities and now their government is giving back and honoring them post humorously through a burial befitting national heroes. The remains of the victims were then transported to their resting place

Reporter: "One week after the blast, some of the victims have been laid to rest, but the pain still lingers on, their memory and how tragically they died will forever be in people's minds here. It's a total loss for many but to some their loved ones are still lying in collapsed buildings."

The rescue team has not been able to access some areas at the military camp. They say it's too risky and dangerous to move in and collect the bodies. Some explosives are scattered in the area and it will take time to clear them before recovery can resume. For now they are securing the area around the military base.

Meanwhile, the government has pledged to assist the grieving families in rebidding their lives and to get back to their feet. Already special teams of doctors are in the country to meet the medical needs of those injured. The government says the military base will also be relocated out of town and residential areas.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)