Mathieu Kerekou, ex-Benin Republic president, is dead

A week of national mourning began in Benin Republic, on Thursday, for former military ruler and civilian president, Mathieu Kerekou, after his death aged 82.

The green, red and yellow national flag was lowered to half-mast across the west African country as political figures led tributes.

One of the world's longest-serving political leaders, Kerekou was dubbed "The Chameleon" for his transformation from Marxist-inspired coup leader to democratically-elected president.

He died in Cotonou on Wednesday. He had been ill in recent times but the cause of death was not immediately disclosed and no date for his funeral was announced.