Colonialism to Neo-Colonialism in Mali: An Analytical Study

The history of colonialism is both complex and impactful, leaving lasting consequences on the contemporary world. Between 1870 and the mid-twentieth century, the African continent experienced intense European colonization, with major powers competing to assert control. Among these, France developed significant historical, economic, and political ties with Africa, beginning in the 17th century. By the 19th century, France had expanded its colonial reach extensively, particularly in West Africa.

Following the end of World War II, the wave of decolonization gained momentum in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Many French colonies achieved formal independence, yet France maintained its influence through political and economic agreements. These included strategic security partnerships, financial aid, and, notably, military interventions. Between 1963 and 2013, France intervened multiple times in various African nations, often under the guise of stabilizing conflicts.

Natural resources have played a pivotal role in these ongoing conflicts, especially in regions rich in minerals and energy. Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, officially gained independence from France in 1960, yet continues to experience political and economic interference from its former colonial ruler. This paper will examine the enduring French influence in Mali and argue that the region remains entangled in a modern form of resource-driven neocolonialism.