DAKAR, Senegal – Dozens of people marched in the Senegalese capital Monday, chanting "Bush, butcher" in a protest against President Bush's (search) expected visit to this Muslim west African nation.
Calling the United States a warlike nation bent on global hegemony, about 40 people marched from Dakar's main mosque, through densely populated neighborhoods, to a central monument marking Senegal's (search) independence from France in 1960.
"We're against this Bush visit," said Seydina Sarr, a 36-year old silkscreen artist, who carried a banner calling on Bush to "make tea, not war."
"We're against the American government — not the American people — and its war in Iraq, its power, and its place in the world. They come with their dollars wanting Senegal to be the first stop in bringing their war to Africa, but we don't want that."
The march ended peacefully and no arrests were reported.
Bush arrives in Dakar on Tuesday on the first stop of a five-day, five-nation African tour. He is scheduled to meet President Abdoulaye Wade (search) and visit Goree Island — a former slave depot off the west African coast.
Security for the visit will be tight, with major thoroughfares closed to traffic and Dakar residents forbidden to open their windows along the route Bush will follow. On Goree Island, residents will be required to stay off the streets.
About 95 percent of Senegal's 11 million people are Muslim, practicing a moderate, tolerant brand of Islam.
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