"For too long, when it comes to corruption in Africa, the West's position has been "do as I say not as I do." In Sierra Leone and other countries, debts were racked up knowingly by African ministers and Western lenders in the full knowledge that they would not be repaid. This was not mere irresponsible borrowing, but planned larceny. This – not bleeding heart sentiments – is the reason that its debts should be written off," writes author Aminatta Forna in the UK's Independent newspaper.