Francafrique under attack of "Mali Kura" (new Mali) and challenges for France

The article examines the changes in relations between France and Mali against the background of political crises and changes in internal strategy ("Mali Kura"). The author analyzes how the new Mali Kura policy undermines the traditional model of Franco-Malian relations, previously based on Mali's economic and military dependence on France. The consequences of the withdrawal of French troops and Mali's growing ties with other external players such as Russia and China are discussed. Special attention is paid to the need to review France's strategy in the region in the context of new realities, including the transition to economic and cultural cooperation. The author used a historical method to analyze the origin and development of the term "Francafrica" and its impact on the political situation in Mali. Content analysis was applied to study political speeches, official statements and public sentiment related to the concept of "Mali Kura" in order to identify the key ideas and motives behind the change in French-Malian relations. For the first time, the study comprehensively analyzes the transformation of the concept of "Francafrica" in the context of the formation of an independent political identity of Mali and changes in its foreign policy course. Unlike previous studies focused mainly on the economic aspects of Franco-African relations, this work reveals the impact of the Mali Kura political program on the political and cultural gap with France. Special attention is paid to the analysis of Mali's new international alliances with Russia, Turkey and China, their impact on the system of francocentric elites and on the dynamics of Mali's relations with the former metropolis. This research contributes to the expansion of theoretical knowledge about the mechanisms of decolonization and political emancipation of African countries. The emergence of the concept of "Mali Kura" in political rhetoric, especially during the period of opposition to the power of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and after the coming to power of Assimi Goit and Prime Minister Shogel Kokalla Maiga, marked a new stage in the development of relations between the two countries.

France, Mali, Francafrique, Mali Koura, Political crisis, Russia, China, Sovereignty, external powers, Troops withdrawal