Their grievances ranged from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, to U.S. involvement in the Middle East to frustration at the security measures taken in this mainly Muslim country ahead of Bush's arrival on Tuesday.

The protesters only numbered about 50, but they gave voice to some of the concerns running through the poverty- stricken continent where Bush will spend five days.

"Bush is a man of war," said Seydina Sarr, who held a white sheet with "Bush butcher. Make tea not war" scribbled on it in marker. "We don't want to be Bush's trampoline even if he does give us millions of dollars," he added.

Bush will spend just half a day in Senegal at the start of his tour of Africa. He will meet Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade, and other regional leaders before visiting a slave trade depot on Goree Island off Dakar.

"I don't agree with his policies. They are unpopular, and he overwrites international law," said student Abdoulaye Tasse N'diaye, who was holding a piece of cardboard with "Receiving Bush is like making a pact with the devil," written in chalk.

Bush is expected to make a speech on race, slavery and democracy on Goree Island. His words will be given extra weight because of the chaos gripping nearby Liberia, which was founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century.

Liberians want the United States to send troops to end fighting between rebels and besieged President Charles Taylor, who has been indicted for war crimes.

But some of the protesters on Monday were skeptical about Bush's intentions in going to Goree.

"His speech is just intended to capture black American voters. He is using us," said Talla Sylla.

Sylla also complained about the security measures imposed ahead of the visit, saying people's houses on Goree had been searched with dogs and that other people without identity cards had been rounded up in the seaside city.

Hady Thiam agreed. "It's not right that because someone comes here for four hours that people should be so disturbed. It's as if God was coming to earth."

Thiam added that Monday's protest was not anti-American but anti-Bush. "Bill Clinton came here and we welcomed him," he said.