In the midst of our field sessions our crew sometimes unexpectedly captures unusual encounters, uncommon scenes and “slices of life”.

This video is one of those improvised moments: Théodosie, member of the Akele community near Lambarene (Gabon), watches a huge tugboat full of wood sliding by on the lake. And she starts talking on the presence of the Chinese in the area…

This unexpected interview raised one of the current biggest issues in Africa nowadays: the agreements signed between numerous African governments and the Chinese authorities. An ever increasing number of these agreements enable China to exploit raw material in exchange for the construction of infrastructures.

Chinafrica (following Francafrica) has recently been under the constant criticism of the Western world, as some consider that while the Europeans attempted to impose respect of the Human rights in exchange for their help, China seems less considerate and thus reinforces the possible flaws of some of the local governments.

The point is that local populations obviously take a dim view on this new foreign presence as the Chinese companies bring along their own employees and only hire a very small proportion of the local workforce.

What positive outcomes for the Africans, and in this case, for Gabon? That’s exactly what Théodosie is asking herself, unable to hide her sorrow, while before the eyes of the villagers drifts along all this precious wood which they’re no longer allowed to exploit themselves. What future for the unemployed local young generation, when the country’s resources is taken over by others? Doesn’t that ring a bell?

Linguist: Jean-Marie Hombert
Camera and sound: Luc-Henri Fage
Translation: Hugues Awanhet
Editing : Caroline Laurent