Obama ends Africa trip by joining Bush at memorial...Photos and Stuff.

[KoKo]

Obama ends Africa trip by joining Bush at memorial

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http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/02/obama-tanzania-africa/2481771/

"Whoa – Obama is something else," said Omar Khamis, a 45-year-old social worker. "I was very eager to see him because he inspires me, the way he talks, it's like he means what he says … but I am disappointed that his car was so speedy, tinted and protected."

Obama's stop in Tanzania followed visits to Senegal and South Africa. After he landed in the East African country Monday, Obama was met by thousands of cheering locals at the airport and later greeted with troupes of traditional dancers. Young people dressed in T-shirts with images of Obama lined the streets.

The Tanzanian warm welcome was similar to his reception in Senegal where locals said they were happy he was visiting the francophone country.

TANZANIA: Obama calls on Tanzania to bolster its fortunes

SENEGAL: Proud and hopeful about Obama visit

SOUTH AFRICA: Obama arrives in South Africa with Mandela on mind

However, Obama's three-day stint in South Africa was overshadowed by protests, which saw South African police shoot rubber bullets into a crowd of hundreds of students prior to his speech at the University of Johannesburg. The worsening health of the former president of the country, Nelson Mandela, also cast a shadow over his visit.

Although Obama was unable to meet with the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader, who remains in a hospital with a recurring lung condition he developed during his 27 years in prison, he did meet with several of the daughters and grandchildren of the man he called his "personal hero."
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama board Air Force One as they prepare to leave Africa at Julius Nyerere airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During his one-week trip, the president courted African business leaders and announced new trade initiatives to open up East Africa's markets to American businesses, as he sought to counter the rise of Chinese economic influence on the continent.
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama board Air Force One as they prepare to leave Africa at Julius Nyerere airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During his one-week trip, the president courted African business leaders and announced new trade initiatives to open up East Africa's markets to American businesses, as he sought to counter the rise of Chinese economic influence on the continent. Ben Curtis, AP

Obama has been criticized for not paying an extensive visit to Africa before his second term in office but analysts said the trip helped to strengthen ties between the U.S. and the continent.

"It's an opportunity to show at a very high level a re-commitment of U.S. energy and attention on Africa," said Jennifer Cooke, director of the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "The president is trying to demonstrate that he, and the U.S., is engaged in Africa in multiple ways."

Some Tanzanians say Obama's visit would be positive for the country.

"I am enthusiastic about Obama's visit for it means something to our country, to boost our economy and security," said Chacha Marwa, 48, a taxi driver in Dar es Salaam. "I will do my best to see him in person."

However, others were less enthused.

"There are some people who will benefit from his visit but for us petty traders and ordinary residents, who struggle daily to make ends meet, we are the losers," said Dennis Mwendwa, 31, a street vendor. "For some of us have been roughly treated and others ordered to move their business away (during Obama's visit)."
http://news.yahoo.com/obama-ends-africa-trip-joining-bush-memorial-052247389.html

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