AFRICA:Unpopular at home and in much of the world during the last year of his US presidency, George Bush is basking in rare adulation on his African tour.
Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete poured praise on Mr Bush in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the second day of his five-nation African tour, each compliment applauded warmly by members of the country's cabinet.
Although about 2,000 Muslim demonstrators protested against Mr Bush on the eve of his visit, many thousands more cheering, waving people lined his route from the airport on Saturday.
Banners across the route, decorated with Mr Bush's image against a backdrop of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, read: "We cherish democracy. Karibu [ welcome] to President and Mrs Bush." Others read: "Thank you for helping fight malaria and HIV." Dancers at the airport and at Kikwete's state house to greet Mr Bush wore skirts and shirts decorated with his face.
Mr Bush is suffering some of the lowest approval ratings in his seven-year tenure and has been buffeted by criticism of his handling of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ailing economy.
Not surprisingly he is enjoying the different reception in Africa. Beaming repeatedly during a press conference with Mr Kikwete, he referred to his welcome, which he said was "very moving".
Mr Bush opened his remarks by saying "Vipi Mambo!" before turning to US journalists and adding: "For the uneducated, that's Swahili for 'Howdy y'all'."
Mr Kikwete told Mr Bush: "The outpouring of warmth and affection from the people of Tanzania that you have witnessed since your arrival is a genuine reflection of what we feel towards you and towards the American people."
In a reference to Mr Bush's domestic problems, Mr Kikwete added: "Different people may have different views about you and your administration and your legacy. But we in Tanzania, if we are to speak for ourselves and for Africa, we know for sure that you, Mr president, and your administration have been good friends of our country and have been good friends of Africa."
Although many Africans, especially Muslims, share negative perceptions of Mr Bush's foreign policy, there is widespread recognition of his successful humanitarian and health initiatives on the continent. Mr Bush has spent more money on aid to Africa than his predecessor, Bill Clinton. - (Reuters)