Dar es Salaam — The first full day of the state visit by US President George W Bush was clouded by tight security as US security personnel took over the control of key areas including the State House as the world's most powerful leader was being hosted there.

Every corner of the State House at Magogoni area on the sea shore was tightly covered by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and US Homeland Security.

Military helicopters were patrolling above the State House, with the area surrounded by security personnel inside and outside.

Men mainly in black suits and women in official attire and smart casuals were positioned at various angles of the executive mansion.

Every step and movement here was closely monitored by hundreds of 'eye spies.' Making a phone call or answering an incoming call wasn't spared as agents monitoring any communication taking place by concealed equipment.

Equipped with sophisticated communications and surveillance equipment, US security officials stole the show when they decided to camp at the roof of one buildings in the State House complex as the visitor and his host held closed door discussions.

Sniffer dogs were roaming the State House grounds as screeching peacocks strutted on the lawn in front, adding a touch of relaxed nature with the dazzling security detail.

A few minutes before President Bush arrived at the State House, the atmosphere changed suddenly as men and women struggled to ensure that no security glitch was possible.

Some displayed sophisticated hear-phones, others wore automatic surveillance or spy glasses with their waists strapped with advanced anti-personnel weapons in case of need.

Unlike normal visits where Tanzania security personnel are the ones who take up positions and comb the area, yesterday's event was American, with local agents playing an auxiliary role, watching the visitors keep an eagle's eye on all movements in and around the State House.

Finally President Bush arrived in his massive bullet proof limousine - also equipped to fend off heat seeking bombs from more than one hundred meters.

It was a tough act for local security personnel but they had to accept the reality because US security agents don't trust security details of but a handful of top level NATO allies.

Shocked by the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy on November 22, 1963 and the September 11 attacks which also targeted Capitol Hill (the seat of the legislature) and the White House, in 2001, there seemed to be no limit to polishing the security around the president.

After the reception team had waited for nearly five hours, finally President Bush and his host arrived for a 15 minutes press briefing that focused on various matters, from poverty eradication to instability in African states.

Swahili greeting

Overwhelmed by excited throngs who have welcomed him on Saturday evening, President George W. Bush surprised the audience when he greeted them in a city-like greeting, saying: "Vipi mambo!"

The audience responded by a vast shout of "poa," a younger generation version of the traditional "salaam aleykum."

He didn't hesitate to praise the warm welcome shown by Tanzanians: "It was very moving, for those of us racing through the streets of Dar es Salaam, to see thousands of people there greeting us. I really do want to extend my thanks," said Mr Bush who appeared relaxed and charming.

Earlier President Kikwete gave Mr. Bush a stuffed leopard and lion, as well as a zebra skin. In exchange, Mr. Bush also gave Mr Kikwete a pair of basketball star Shaquille O'Neal athletic shoes.

Roads closed

The presence of President Bush triggered the closure of three major roads in Dar es Salaam between Saturday and Tuesday to give way for traffic flow during the visit by the US President.

On Saturday afternoon, Nyerere Road, Gerezani area and Sokoine Drive were closed off.

Dar es Salaam Special Zone police commander Alfred Tibaigana said that today, February 18 closed roads will be Sokoine Drive, Ohio Street, Kivukoni Road, Gerezani area to the junction of Nyerere Road.

On Tuesday it will be Sokoine Drive, Ohio Street, Kivukoni Road, Gerezani and Nyerere Road that will be closed in the morning. City residents should use alternative routes to avoid excessive delays, the police chief directed.