Well, at the end of the day there is a historical wound that white colonialists countries inflicted on Africa as a continent that hinders their current relationship. In some ways this also applies to the United States.
Meanwhile China has the same plans that US had for Mexico when they created the TLCAN, but nobody complains since China has never had belligerent relations with Africa. Is an alliance where i personally find Africa to be on the disadvantageous side.
One side called them shithole countries, the other side cancelled billions of their debt, helped them build infrastructure and is committed to providing them COVID vaccines.
Bet that was a tough decision. African governments aren't stupid, they have analyzed the situation too, and far more so than you or I as detached westerners. Why would they deliberately choose the worst of the two options if China really is worse?