By Gerald Mbanda
Recent coverage by Africa Defence Forum (ADF) Magazine on its X platform (October, 22, 2025), hasagain demonstrated the persistent bias that characterizes much of the Western-aligned media’s portrayal of China’s engagement with Africa. In a recent article, the magazine alleged that experts believe the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents a “hazardous development model” for the African continent. Yet, the article failed to name any of these supposed experts, provide evidence for the claim, or offer any factual explanation of what exactly makes the BRI “hazardous.” Instead, it relied on vague insinuations and generalizations that appear designed to undermine China’s growing partnership with Africa rather than to inform readers with credible analysis.
This pattern is neither new nor surprising. Publications such as Africa Defence Forum often serve as communication tools for the United States, to shape public opinion in regions where their strategic influence is waning. It is important to recall that ADF is published by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), a military institution whose core purpose is not independent journalism but the advancement of U.S. geopolitical and security interests on the continent. When such an outlet produces a piece attacking China’s development initiatives, it should be read within the context of an information campaign, not as an act of objective reporting.
The accusation that China’s BRI is a “hazardous development model” conveniently mirrors the broader Western narrative that portrays Chinese investment as exploitative, opaque, and unsustainable. Over the past decade, this line of argument has been repeatedly echoed across Western media and think tanks, often without substantial data or balanced evidence. In these portrayals, African countries are depicted as passive victims trapped in so-called “debt diplomacy,” incapable of assessing their own interests. This narrative not only distorts the reality of Africa–China cooperation but also reflects a lingering paternalism that denies African nations the agency to make sovereign decisions about their development priorities.
In practice, the BRI has provided significant infrastructure support to African countries that have long struggled with underdevelopment and limited access to global financing. Across the continent, Chinese involvement has contributed to railways, highways, bridges, ports, energy projects, and telecommunications networks. The Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya, the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway in Ethiopia, and various hydropower and industrial park projects across the continent are tangible examples of how Chinese cooperation has facilitated regional connectivity and economic growth. While not every project is without challenges—some have faced cost overruns or management issues—these are problems common to all major infrastructure initiatives, including those funded by Western institutions such as the World Bank or the IMF.
Critics often accuse China of “debt-trap diplomacy,” claiming that BRI projects saddle countries with unmanageable loans. Yet numerous independent studies, including those by African and Western economists alike, have found no evidence to support this claim. African nations account for only a small fraction of their total debt to China, and much of that debt is concessional, carrying low interest rates and long repayment periods. Moreover, China has repeatedly restructured or forgiven loans when countries have encountered repayment difficulties. In contrast, Western lending institutions have historically attached strict political and economic conditions that limit policy autonomy and perpetuate dependency.
The ADF article’s silence on these realities suggests its purpose lies not in balanced analysis but in sustaining a geopolitical narrative that paints China as a threat. This strategy reflects the unease in Western capitals over Beijing’s growing influence across Africa. For decades, Western powers maintained dominance through a combination of financial leverage, military presence, and narrative control. As China offers African states an alternative partnership model—based on infrastructure development, trade, and non-interference—the Western response has been to question Beijing’s motives and cast suspicion on its methods.
Ironically, Western media rarely apply the same level of scrutiny to their own governments’ engagements in Africa. Environmental degradation caused by Western oil companies, exploitative mining practices or the destabilizing effects of foreign military interventions receive far less attention. When Western corporations extract Africa’s resources with minimal local benefit, it is presented as “foreign investment.” When China builds railways, roads, and hospitals, it is branded “debt diplomacy.” This double standard reveals the ideological motives behind such reporting and exposes the continuing use of media as a tool of soft power.
Equally troubling is the near-total exclusion of African voices in these discussions. In the ADF article, as in many similar pieces, the perspectives of African policymakers, scholars, and citizens are missing. The analysis is presented entirely through a Western lens, as though Africa were merely a battleground for global influence rather than a collection of nations with their own agency, ambitions, and strategies. This silence reinforces the notion that African countries cannot decide for themselves what kind of partnerships serve their development interests.
Africa deserves better than to be a stage for geopolitical propaganda wars. Constructive criticism of any development initiative, including the BRI, is both necessary and valuable—but it must be grounded in evidence, context, and fairness. Blanket accusations without proof do not advance Africa’s interests; they simply perpetuate misinformation and mistrust. The continent’s future lies in pragmatic, diversified cooperation with all willing partners—whether from the East or West—based on mutual respect and tangible benefits.
The Africa Defence Forum’s attempt to discredit the Belt and Road Initiative without facts or credible sourcing is emblematic of a broader campaign to shape African perceptions against China. Such narratives reflect not journalistic integrity but strategic intent. African nations must remain vigilant in questioning not only the actions of their external partners but also the motives behind the stories told about them. True development and sovereignty begin when Africans define their own narratives, evaluate partnerships by results rather than rhetoric, and resist being used as pawns in the rivalries of others.
If you’re lookin’ for sports betting or casino games, 888WinBet’s got a pretty decent selection. The odds seem fair, and I haven’t had any issues with withdrawals. Check it out for yourself: 888winbet. Always gamble smart!
Aus unserer Sicht können Sie dort frei spielen, sofern das Casino Spieler aus
einem bestimmten Land nicht ausdrücklich ausschließt.
Aus unserer Sicht bringt der Newcomer jedenfalls frischen Wind in die
Szene der Kryptocasinos. Der Vorteil für die angeworbenen Freunde wiederum besteht darin, dass sie einen Anmeldebonus
erhalten. Neben dem Neukundenbonus bietet
sich Spielern eine Fülle an Turnieren, Challenges und Level Up-Boni im Rahmen des VIP Programms.
Wer sich mit seinen Fragen lieber an Mitspieler richten möchte, der kann den on-page Community-Chat
nutzen, der sich hinter der Chat-Blase im Spielerkonto (Desktop) bzw.
Unter Datenschutzerklärung erhalten Sie weitere Informationen. Dass
hinter dem Start-up Kryptospezialisten statt Glücksspielexperten stehen, kann eigentlich als Vorteil
gesehen werden. Shuffle ist angetreten, den Glücksspielmarkt zu revolutionieren und Stake als erfolgreichstes Kryptocasino abzulösen.
Sie bieten ein einzigartiges Online-Gaming-Erlebnis, das Geschwindigkeit,
Strategie, spannende Grafiken und nachweisliche Fairness vereint.
Unsere klare, intuitive und schnelle Benutzeroberfläche macht es Ihnen leicht, Ihre Lieblingsspiele zu finden!
Die Plattform umfasst Krypto-Casinospiele, Bitcoin-Casino-Slots und Live-Casino-Tische, sodass
Spieler ihre Favoriten finden oder neue Abenteuer
ausprobieren können. Shuffle bietet eine der größten Spielbibliotheken, die jeden Spielertyp anspricht.
References:
https://online-spielhallen.de/umfassender-leitfaden-zum-spirit-casino-bonus-code/
Freuen Sie sich auf 6 gastronomische Einrichtungen, darunter das Restaurante Panoramico, in dem Sie ein Buffet und À-la-carte-Gerichte mit Blick auf die Bucht
genießen können. Sie können zwischen Classic Zweibettzimmern mit Aussicht und 2 Einzelbetten, Familienzimmern mit 1 Doppelbett und 2 Einzelbetten oder Suiten mit 1 Kingsize-Bett
wählen. Die 24-Stunden-Rezeption bietet einen Geldwechsel und einen Conciergeservice.
Das Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino bietet Ihnen anspruchsvolle und moderne Zimmer in Funchals Park Santa Caterina.
5-Sterne-Hotel mit Außenpool Wir möchten gerne ein ruhiges Zimmer in den oberen Etagen, und ist
ein Wasserkocher auf dem Zimmer ??
References:
https://online-spielhallen.de/pelican-casino-deutschland-eine-umfassende-bewertung/
Have a look around our reviews of casino payment methods and see what can help you level up your experience.
E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and Interac are becoming player-favorites because they are so easy to use.
Classic Blackjack by NetEnt is a smooth, fast-paced table game.
Any video poker casino will have different variations.
It’s easy to play but packed with excitement.
The game has 5 reels, 10 paylines, and stunning visuals.
The best sports gambling sites offer casino games, sports betting,
poker, and more, where you can wager real money and potentially win real
money prizes. Accessibility – Top real money online casinos are
generally more user-friendly, particularly for gambling novices.
These regulations guarantee that real money online casinos
adhere to standards that ensure fairness, transparency, and player safety.
Mobile casinos bring the thrill of gaming right to your fingertips, anytime, anywhere.
The game’s simplicity and low house edge contribute to its popularity among both casual and seasoned players.
Poker tournaments, both online and offline, attract players
of all skill levels.
References:
https://blackcoin.co/paris-las-vegas-hotel-casino-adults-only/
Haven’t had any problems or negative experiences with…
Trusted website, love the free bonus when i get one Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience
with this company. Based on reviews, created with AI
DraftKings Rocket is an exclusive online casino game where you bet on how long a rocket will stay in the air before it crashes.
Because rocket game gambling combines chance with timing, it’s always thrilling to watch
or read about players who managed to bail at the perfect moment.
DraftKings Rocket shows how in-house development can create exclusive online casino games.
By combining smart use of casino rocket bonuses with a clear understanding of banking options,
you can focus more on the fun of the rocket launch game and less on logistical
hassles. For beginners playing casino games online, we recommend starting manually to get a feel for
the DraftKings Rocket game strategy before trying
auto mode.
References:
https://blackcoin.co/aussie-casinos-australias-largest-online-casino-database/
To get the most value out of a current free trial, use
the limitless DVR feature to record shows, movies and sports to your YouTube TV Library.
This amount will be automatically removed from your account once we confirm the
card is active (your financial institution can specify when this action will happen).
Your financial institution will get an authorization request from us, and the fee will be reflected in your account.
When you start your trial, YouTube TV will authorize your
credit card with a small fee. Free trial lengths can vary, so be sure to
double check how much time is left on your free trial.
That is why you will find that gamers have their data and transactions secured from hackers at the online casino.
The slots at this casino are very diverse, even though
they are all produced by Aristocrat. There are hundreds of free Cashman Casino games at your disposal, and
they are all developed by Aristocrat. However, the more rewards you
collect overtime, the more you will move up a multiplier status bar that goes
as high as a 10× multiplier.
As a social casino powered by top providers like Belatra Games,
Microgaming (Apricot), and Pragmatic Play, Cashman Casino keeps
the fun flowing with virtual currency. All the games we support are for entertainment
purposes only and therefore do not offer the possibility to play for real money
or to win in any way. Some games also have an interesting video collection with tips and tricks, news or gameplay, where you
will surely find one or the other useful video.
Therefore, all the free coins you get are applicable to the entire
gaming catalogue at the casino.
References:
https://blackcoin.co/mystake-casino/
Here’s a short video giving you some more information about digital banking.
Change the address and contact details on your account. Move your money or make payments to accounts in the UK or overseas.
Log on with your Secure Key for easy access to your accounts.
In order to install Chrome and receive adequate support, you must meet the system
requirements. Once Chrome is installed, you can delete the install file.
To help meet your customers’ needs and with the continuing shift towards a cashless society,
our preferred provider of merchant services, Global Payments can help provide a choice of ways to pay.
Securely access and manage your money – whenever and wherever you need to.
These details may not be completely accurate.
References:
https://blackcoin.co/dress-standards-in-online-gambling/
paypal casinos for usa players
References:
rhea-recrutement.com