Much of the colonization of Africa by Europeans, particularly by the French and British, didn't eliminate the traditional leaders that were in power, they just brought them into the company. The leaders got trade goods and protection in return for giving the colonists a free hand in economically exploiting their region. The same thing is working here with the PRC and Russia, in many cases probably with the direct descendants of the people who sold out back in the day. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, still has a functioning system of hereditary tribal chiefs, and they have a lot of autonomy to make money. Baksheesh rules.