African Olympic Village shuts down over unpaid debts

All Pictures taken from my Samsung GS III.

African Olympic Village, London 2012

The African Olympic Village which saw 53 nations of the African continent come together to host social events under one roof has met an unprecedented demise; shutting down four days before it's planned closure date of August 12th. According to both the Independent and BBC, huge amounts of debts are owed to suppliers. French company- Pixom -commissioned and paid large sums of monies by African organisers for the running of the African Olympic Village, had outstanding debts to contracted suppliers hence the closure of African Village to the public yesterday. Not content with stripping bare African countries like Cameroon of timber, Congo of Gold, etc. We see destructive  French influence and rule still evident amongst Africa even in the heart of London. The words "Take our money and blow it up" in the song Africa (Higher Higher) by Debra Debs springs to mind

The Cameroon stall at the Village

Ivory Coast Stall

Located in the sprawling grounds of Kensignton Gardens directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall, the village had attracted up to 80,000 visitors during it's heyday opening from the 27th July. Entrance was free and guests were greeted by colourful African stalls adorned with quintessential African art pieces, the aroma of highly palatable spicy piquant African cuisine and barbecued grilled food which mingled in the air as all were serenaded to the up beat tempo music from various African countries. It was a most colourful scene and a truly African Village set in the heart of London, celebrating London Olympics 2012, African athletes and the Motherland.

Vibrant art pieces from Cameroon

Ivory Coast stall

Cameroon handmade dolls

An Accountant from West London who today visited the now deserted village was told by a member of the organising committee a sum of £350,000 was owed to food suppliers.

It seems from the real Africa to the make shift African village nestled in the bustling city of London, matters with any origin distinctively African is always bound for short lived success and a promising failure.

One thing is for sure though...the missing African athletes will definitely not be seeking refuge in this African Olympic Village.

Botswana stall

A Moroccan trunk on display