U.S. President George W. Bush (L) and Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi take part in an arrival ceremony at Cadjehoun International Airport in Cotonou, Benin, Feb. 16, 2008.  (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush's current African tour may reveal Washington's calculations about its long-term strategic interests in the continent, analysts say.

    Bush arrived in Benin on Saturday, the first leg of his week-long five-nation African tour which also includes Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia.

    Bush's current visit is his second to the continent since he took office in 2001 and probably his last before he leaves office next January.

    The White House said Bush's main focus was on the development agenda. But analysts believe the ultimate goal of the visit is to promote U.S. long-term strategic interests in Africa.

    SHOWING CARING SIDE OF U.S. POLICY

    U.S. officials have said Bush's trip is aimed at showing the caring side of the U.S. policy toward Africa.

    "The trip will be an opportunity to demonstrate America's commitment to the people of these countries and to Africa as a whole," White House National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley told reporters Thursday.

    "The trip will highlight how the United States has partnered closely with the people of Africa to address the challenges of disease, poverty and security. Together, we've really made remarkable progress," Hadley said.

    Bush is expected to use his trip to spotlight U.S. efforts to help eradicate diseases, especially HIV/AIDS and malaria and sign a pact on granting 698 million U.S. dollars to Tanzania as part of his Millennium Challenge Corporation, an initiative that ploughs money into countries that adhere to democratic principles and sound economic principles.

    ADDRESSING VIOLENCE ON AFRICAN CONTINENT

    The five African nations are either strategically located or in hot spots of violence and turmoil. Analysts said that steering clear of troubles on the continent especially in Kenya, where more than 1,000 have died in post-election violence, will offer an opportunity that the U.S. is trying to seize to advocate its interests in Africa.

    Just before his departure, Bush announced he would dispatch Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to help put an end to the crisis and support former U.N. chief Kofi Annan's mediation efforts in Kenya.

    "In Kenya, we are backing the efforts of former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan to end the crisis," Bush said in a speech at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art on Thursday, "And when we are on the continent, I have asked Condi Rice to travel to Kenya to support the work of the former secretary general and to deliver a message directly to Kenya's leaders."

    "There must be an immediate halt to violence, there must be justice for the victims of abuse, and there must be a full return to democracy," Bush said.