Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko criticized Western countries' attempts to label Africa-China cooperation as "neo-colonialism," calling it "a false narrative".
In an interview with China Media Group released on Friday, Sonko, who was in China for the 2025 Summer Davos, shed light on the true nature of China's engagement in Africa.
"One thing Africa can state clearly and firmly is this: there is no historical baggage between us and China. China never colonized Africa, never waged war against Africa, and has never posed any historical threat to our continent," said the prime minister.
"For a long time, Africa-China relations have always been based on mutual benefit, openness, and voluntary engagement. China has often demonstrated a strong willingness to listen to Africa. So, in my view, this notion of 'neo-colonialism' is a false narrative," Sonko said.
As for the external doubts and criticism, the PM said he believes they stem from the anxiety and discomfort felt by some traditional powers in response to China's development. These powers hope to use such narratives to sow suspicion among African nations and drive a wedge between them and China, he said.
"This line of thinking is a fundamental misunderstanding of Africa and reveals a 'paternalistic' attitude. Whenever African leaders speak of sovereignty and responsibility, some Western media claim it's because of influence from China or Russia. It's as if they don't believe we are capable of independent thought -- that we can't possibly make judgments or decisions on our own, or act and speak in defense of our own interests," he added.
This mindset reflects their long-standing approach to dealing with Africa, Sonko noted.
"They assume that if an African country chooses a different partner, it must be because we've been manipulated or coerced. I personally reject that logic. Since coming to power, every engagement we've had with China has been founded on mutual respect, shared development, and the goal of common prosperity," the PM said.
Sonko was in China to attend the Summer Davos forum, which was held in north China's Tianjin Municipality from June 24 through 26.
Africa-China cooperation not "neo-colonialism": Senegalese PM
