In Sierra Leone, a Chinese port-building plan raises ire
Many locals think China is hoovering up their country’s rich natural resources
TITO GBANDEWA sweeps a hand across a beach in Sierra Leone that many call one of the most beautiful in west Africa. The bark of nearby trees can cure a child’s cough, locals say. The nectar of its palms comes “from God to man”. In the distance, a boy fishes for grouper; children play in the surf. If the government has its way, all this will be gone, says Mr Gbandewa, who runs a small resort on the beach. In its place will be a Chinese-funded fishing harbour covering 100 hectares.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Hook, line and sinker?”
From the August 21st 2021 edition
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