Farewell: Obama rounds off Africa tour in style

Ciao Tanzania: President Barack Obama and Michelle wave to an adoring Tanzanian crowd ahead of their US-bound flight at Julius Nyerere International Airport earlier today. The US President rounded off his African tour with the laying of a wreath at a memorial site for victims of the 1998 embassy bombing in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | AFP 

By Peter Nyanje

 

In Summary

• During his Symbion tour, Mr Obama and his host, President Jakaya Kikwete were shown one of the latest inventions in power generation – a little gizmo called the “soccket ball.”
• Created by two Harvard graduates, the ball is fitted with an electric generator that creates current when it’s kicked around for a while.

Dar es Salaam. Thousands of Tanzanians turned out to see off American President Barack Obama as he rounded off his much-touted African Tour earlier today.

In a stylish finish to a whirlwind trip across Africa, Mr Obama was joined by former US president George

Bush Tuesday morning in a brief ceremony to remember those killed in the 1998 embassy bombing in Dar es Salaam.  

Later, the US commander in chief visited the Symbion Power Plant in Ubungo, where he reiterated America’s commitment to improving access to electricity across the African continent.

During his Symbion tour, Mr Obama and his host, President Jakaya Kikwete were shown one of the latest inventions in power generation – a little gizmo called the “soccket ball.”

Created by two Harvard graduates, the ball is fitted with an electric generator that creates current when it’s kicked around for a while.

Mr Obama was accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia in an intra-continental tour that spanned West, Southern and Eastern Africa.

During his two-day stay in Dar es Salaam, President Obama held talks with senior government executives and members of the local business community to map out a framework for broadening  trade links between the US and Tanzania.

Millions were treated to a beautiful sight around noon as Mr Obama took to the steps of Air Force One, his hand draped lovingly around Michelle’s waist, to the cheers of hundreds of Tanzanians who had shown up at the airport. 

Stylish Dar Reception

When Mr Obama arrived in Dar in the final leg of his African tour yesterday, he was greeted by a nation in full-on party mode.

As  Air Force One touched down at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) at 2.39pm, the city came to a virtual standstill to welcome its esteemed American guest. .

The US leader, side by side with his elder daughter, Malia, was met by President Kikwete. Tanzania First Lady Salma was on tow to receive the high profile guests.