Clinton kicks off Africa tour

President Obasanjo welcomes Bill Clinton to his country

US President Bill Clinton has begun a two-day visit to Nigeria aimed at boosting the country's delicate democracy.

The US leader, accompanied by his daughter Chelsea and a 1,000-strong delegation, was welcomed to Nigeria by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr Clinton was given a 21-cannon salute, and he and the Nigerian president inspected a guard of honour. Traditional dancers in flowing African dress also took part in the welcoming ceremony.

Traditional dancers were part of the welcoming ceremony

Mr Clinton is expected to discuss a variety of issues with Mr Obasanjo including debt relief, the spread of Aids, and ending regional conflicts.

He is also expected to announce an extra $100m in aid to Nigeria aimed at improving primary education and health care.

Following his visit, Mr Clinton will fly to Egypt, where he will meet President Hosni Mubarak to discuss the Middle East peace process.

He is also due to visit Tanzania on Monday, where he is hoping to witness the signing of a peace deal between Burundi's warring factions.

Delicate stage

Mr Clinton's visit to Nigeria is a public show of support for Mr Obasanjo's government, and reforms, which are currently at a delicate stage.

Security is tight for Mr Clinton's visit

Mr Obasanjo became Nigeria's first democratically elected leader for more than 10 years following the death of military ruler Sani Abacha in 1998.

However, the government is currently trying to boost its popularity and secure its status by launching wide-scale anti-corruption measures.

The country, which has the highest population in Africa with 123m people, is also attempting to improve the management and productivity of its huge oil reserves.

"This is a make-or-break situation, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa," said Mr Clinton's national security adviser Sandy Berger.

"If Nigeria succeeds, this can help lift the whole region towards prosperity and peace."

Excitement

During his stay, Mr Clinton is expected to remain in the capital Abuja, where, correspondents say, there is mounting excitement about his visit.

The visit is big news in Nigeria

Buildings have been repainted, streets have been cleaned and American flags are flying.

Many Nigerians hope that Mr Clinton's visit will also boost trade links between the two countries, and would also like a commitment from the president to cancel the country's huge debts.

However, Mr Clinton is expected to want to see that Nigeria is firmly committed to democracy in the face of ongoing fears over ethnic tensions in the country.

By remaining in the capital, he will avoid provoking ethnic and regional rivalries between the northern and southern regions of the country.