Film on China's development screened in Dakar amid growing China-Africa ties

A film elaborating China's development was screened in Guediawaye of Dakar, capital of Senegal, on Sunday, reflecting the strengthening ties between China and Africa.

The film screening was organized by China Media Group in collaboration with Cinema Numerique Ambulant (CNA), or Mobile Digital Cinema, a pan-African network aims to bring African films on digital media in rural areas, as a side event of the Global Dialogue series "China in Springtime: China's Development Shared Opportunities for the World."

In a video address to the event, President of China Media Group Shen Haixiong noted the development of China's cinema and the audiovisual sector, a model that Coumba Sarr, director of the CNA, believes Africa should learn from.

"We are discussing development and strategic paths, reinforced by the cooperation between our two nations, Senegal and China. We are embracing the spirit of sharing -- understanding each other through imagery, sharing perspectives, and identifying possible areas of collaboration across many sectors. I was very happy to hear him [Shen] mention cinema and the audiovisual sector, because China is truly far ahead in these fields. It would be a privilege for Senegal and for all of Africa to benefit from that know-how. I believe that together, we are stronger," said Sarr.

Beyond the cultural aspect, the film highlights China's growing role as a key player in global development, particularly through its investments and cooperation projects in Africa.

"It's very interesting. I watched the film from start to finish. It's about agriculture, livestock, and many other things. Especially for the people who cut wood in the forests, they've replaced woods with bamboos. Here in Senegal, we have bamboos. We tend to lose our forests because of logging. So we thank China and welcome them to come here to share their expertise. We are very grateful for that and we welcome them with open arms," said Serigne Mbaye Sarr, neighborhood representative of Wakhinane Nimzatt, a densely populated municipality in the suburbs of Dakar.

Film on China's development screened in Dakar amid growing China-Africa ties

The spillover effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict have driven up commodity prices in Ethiopia, taking a heavy toll on people's daily life, especially for the low-income population.

With U.S.-Israeli joint military strikes on Iran now exceeding one month and no clear resolution in sight, the economic aftershocks are spreading far beyond the Middle East.

As part of its response to U.S. and Israeli operations, Iran has restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting ships associated with the United States and Israel. The blockade of this vital global energy route has driven up oil and gas prices worldwide.

In Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, long queues of vehicles could be seen at gas stations waiting for fuel. Prices of other goods are also on the rise.

"The prices of goods are going up every day. If the conflict continues, life will become very hard, especially for people with low incomes," said Zeynu Yelma, a shop owner.

Beyond rising living costs, the surge in prices has also hit the local construction industry.

"Over the past two weeks, the prices of building materials have risen sharply, severely affecting our work. The price of cement has nearly doubled. Sand and gravel costs continue to rise. The price of steel has also surged. If this trend continues, I'm afraid our work may have to stop," said Yetbarek Workenhe, manager of a construction site.

Although local authorities have been working to secure supplies, provide subsidies, and prioritize public services, the severe international situation continues to widen the supply gap.

Spillover effects of Middle East conflict push up prices in Ethiopia