China: A hyena out to con Africa?
'If Africa is the antelope in the global jungle it must learn that just because the leopard is beautiful does not make it less dangerous than the hyena', writes Julius Gatune.
'Trade, investment, power and the China-in-Africa discourse' is a great article and very well balanced. Provides the great context that most people do not have when analysing Africa-China relations.
The idea that could be added is the victim mentality that informs any analysis of Africa. We see Africa as a hapless victim or even child that will be exploited if not protected by her ‘parents’. China is portrayed as the hyena out to con and cheat Africa. This is particularly the patronising attitude that Africa must seek to change.
China is just another hardworking hyena that is looking for a meal. If Africa is the antelope in the global jungle it must learn that just because the leopard is beautiful does not make it less dangerous than the hyena.
Much as the hyena is discredited in fairly tales at the expense of the noble lion. China must act before this perception gets accepted as reality.