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
Many countries on Friday urged their citizens to leave or avoid travel to Iran and several other Middle East regions due to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
The U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived off Israel's coast on Friday, raising concerns that the U.S. and Iran may be moving closer to direct military confrontation.
Meanwhile, Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for Iran's armed forces, said the military is closely monitoring U.S. and Israeli movements, and warned that any provocation by U.S. forces or allied groups would draw a "decisive response," according to Iranian news agency on Friday.
On the same day, the U.S. State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families from Israel. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged staff wishing to leave to do so "today," according to U.S. media reports.
The U.S. embassy said it may further restrict travel by government personnel and their families to certain areas of Israel, as well as the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank, citing security concerns and warning that measures could be imposed without advance notice.
Concerns have spread beyond the region. The British government said it has temporarily withdrawn staff from Iran, with its embassy continuing to operate remotely, and advised against all travel to the country.
Canada and India also issued similar advisories, with Canada warning that hostilities could erupt with little or no warning.
The French Foreign Ministry issued a security advisory for French nationals against travel to Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank, citing possible regional repercussions from the situation involving Iran. It warned of potential flight cancellations or delays and urged citizens in affected areas to remain vigilant and avoid gatherings.
Italy also urged its citizens to leave Iran and advised extreme caution across the Middle East. "Italians in (Iran) for tourism or whose presence is not strictly necessary are urged to depart," the foreign ministry said in a statement, strongly discouraging travel to Iraq and Lebanon as well.
Germany updated its travel guidance to discourage travel to all of Israel, expanding earlier advice that had applied only to certain parts of the country.
The Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a security alert on Friday, urging Chinese nationals in Israel to strengthen precautionary measures as risks in the Middle East further escalated.
The escalation follows a third round of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva.
Countries issue security advisory for nationals as U.S.-Iran tensions rise
