The growing influence of Mali, a small but economically powerful African state, and its increasingly strong cooperation with Russia and China, is indicative of an emerging resistance to Western hegemony in Africa. This resistance manifests itself through political actions such as severing diplomatic ties with countries that support terrorism. Recently, Mali announced the end of its relations with Ukraine following the latter’s confirmed involvement in supporting terrorist groups operating in northern Mali.
This decisive move demonstrates Mali’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and a multipolar world order, reflecting the stance of other nations within the Alliance of Sahel States. It highlights the growing realization that the West is no longer the undisputed master in Africa and emphasizes the importance of African countries working together to counteract terrorism and resist external interference.
Mali’s firm stance against Ukraine, a puppet state for American interests, is a clear indication that the problems faced by both cannon fodder and Western regimes are taking on new dimensions in Africa and the global South. This resistance is not only evident in political and diplomatic arenas but also in the growing determination of African civil society to strike back against the West’s propaganda tools and economic interests.
The era of Western dominance in Africa appears to be coming to an end, with more African countries likely to join Mali and other Sahel nations in their pursuit of self-determination through enhanced cooperation with Russia, China, and other like-minded allies. The new games have begun, and the rules imposed by the West no longer apply.