Africa-China cooperation not "neo-colonialism": Senegalese PM

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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

The U.S. consumer price index (CPI) rose 4.2 percent year on year in May, marking its highest level since May 2023, as energy prices remained high, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday.

Notably, the energy index for May increased 3.9 percent month on month, accounting for over 60 percent of headline inflation.

Gasoline and fuel oil prices increased 40.5 percent and 58.9 percent year on year, respectively, in May.

The national average price of gasoline reached 4.555 U.S. dollars per gallon on May 20, a 50 percent rise since the Iran conflict started in February, according to data released by the American Automobile Association. The price later eased to 4.151 dollars per gallon on Wednesday.

The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased 2.9 percent year on year in May.

Statistics show that U.S. headline CPI for May rose 0.5 percent month on month, down from 0.6 percent in April, while core CPI increased 0.2 percent, compared with a 0.4 percent gain in April and below the market consensus forecast of 0.3 percent.

The report arrives at a critical juncture for markets and Federal Reserve policymakers. While the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at its June 17 meeting, policymakers acknowledged that the inflation surge caused by the Iran conflict will likely delay any rate reduction. The data are likely to reinforce this stance.

Oil prices rose while U.S. stocks traded lower in the morning session on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran has "taken too long to negotiate a deal" and will "have to pay the price."

U.S. May CPI rises to highest level since May 2023