Chinese investment in Senegal, like in many African countries, is rising. China’s flagship infrastructure project in the country is a brand new highway that will link an international airport to Touba, a holy city frequented by pilgrims. But many Senegalese wonder if the highway is in residents’ best interests.
Observers point out that many cities along the new road lack electricity and clean running water, and should have been made a higher priority than the thoroughfare. Some note the economic disruption the highway has caused, as pilgrims no longer stop to patronize roadside vendors on the older roads leading to Touba. Still others point out that when China makes these investments, it doesn’t necessarily adhere to labor or other human rights standards.
Looming in the background is the question of whether Senegal will be able to pay off the debt it owes for the Chinese investment– and if not, what the concessions it may have to make to the Asian superpower.
#Senegal #China #Africa #BRI #beltandroad
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