Heightened security in Senegal ahead of Obama visit
- 11 years ago
In Senegal, they're getting ready (Huge painting of Obama and message reading "Welcome Obama")
There are more police on the streets, all in anticipation of President Obama's first extended trip to Africa since taking office.
Locals in Dakkar say they've gotten used to the inconvenience.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) OFFICE WORKER, SERIGNE KHAN, SAYING:
"It's about security, because he's the president of the world's biggest power, and as in all his trips, his security is something essential, takes priority where they come from, so we are feeling this now in town, There are police roadblocks everywhere, people are being asked to deviate from their route, the city is almost empty."
Local papers are reporting that snipers are being positioned all along the route from the airport.
Obama's trip will take him to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania and could be overshadowed by Nelson Mandela's poor health. The former South African leader is still in the hospital and
There are more police on the streets, all in anticipation of President Obama's first extended trip to Africa since taking office.
Locals in Dakkar say they've gotten used to the inconvenience.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) OFFICE WORKER, SERIGNE KHAN, SAYING:
"It's about security, because he's the president of the world's biggest power, and as in all his trips, his security is something essential, takes priority where they come from, so we are feeling this now in town, There are police roadblocks everywhere, people are being asked to deviate from their route, the city is almost empty."
Local papers are reporting that snipers are being positioned all along the route from the airport.
Obama's trip will take him to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania and could be overshadowed by Nelson Mandela's poor health. The former South African leader is still in the hospital and