I am simply questioning the reaction to what has been said by both parties. A world where those in power are at the mercy of public opinion and debate, not fact.

The social media’s online debate in African countries is limited: Strauss’s guilt is unquestionable and those that do question it are un-African. On twitter streams run wild with accusations and on facebook pages have already been created in support of the alleged victim. This debate is no longer about attempted rapist versus victim. It has entered into another dimension; the developed versus the underdeveloped, the colonialists versus the colonised. If only the guilt of some of Africa’s leading figures was so easily decided, sealed and acted upon.

As soon as it was mentioned that the woman was African the response was dramatic, everyone determined to find out where in Africa she was from, some media houses going as far as to determine whether or not she has HIV. The stereotypes are appalling.

Africa has a very strong brand which depicts it as are the perpetual victim. Activists sensitive to issues affecting Africa may react to this sensationally because of the parallels they might draw between the IMF’s relationship with Africa and the way in which Strauss-Kahn’s alleged actions. Already Guineans are rallying up in New York, determined to protest their support of their fellow country-woman whom they do not know.

On the flip-side, an opinion poll has already been released in France where 57% of the respondents thought that the Socialist politician, who had been frontrunner for the 2012 election, was definitely or probably the victim of a plot.