DJIBOUTI, Nov 22: Former Djibouti president Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the country's first ruler after independence from France in 1977, died at his home on Tuesday after a long illness, a member of his family said.

Approximately 90 years old, Mr Aptidon was buried within hours of his death before a large crowd, in keeping with Muslim tradition.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh declared three days of national mourning.

“We would like to pay tribute to the remarkable career of this seasoned statesman who not only led the independence struggle of Djibouti but also set the country on the right track of peace, democracy and development,” wrote the prime minister of neighbouring Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, in a letter of condolence.

“We have always regarded the late Mr. Hassan Gouled as a true friend of Ethiopia,” the letter said. Aptidon stepped down after ruling Djibouti for 22 years.—AFP