The visit to the East African nation was a surprise choice but one the White House said was made because of its strong democracy as well as its importance as a partner on security issues.
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Vendors carrying trinkets and snacks usually weave in and out of the dense traffic of this bustling East African capital, their hawking adding to the cacophony of horns and chatter that are the soundtrack to everyday life here.
But not Monday.
An eerie silence and empty streets cleared for security reasons herald the arrival of President Obama on his first visit to this usually overlooked country Monday, a visit that overjoyed locals hope results in change and progress.
"My country is crazy at the moment about Obama's visit and I am, too," said Asteria Benedicto, 32, a student at the Institute of Social Work. "If I get a chance, I will ask him to see to it that there's an equal distribution of resources, fair elections and trustworthy security force in my country."