Marxism-Leninism and African Underdevelopment: The Mali Approach

Abstract

The leaders of the Republic of Mali represent one of the more radical elements in sub-Saharan political thought.! Along with their counterparts in Ghana and Guinea they, more than any other African ruling group, closely approach Marxist-Leninist theory. Nevertheless, to brand them followers of Marx and Lenin is not completely accurate, for there are fundamental differences not only in the philosophical foundations on which their ideas are based, but also in their long-term goals and short-term policy choices. The conception of underdevelopment held by Mali's leaders offers a fruitful field for analysis, for here we can perceive the nuances and subtleties of their theoretical approach as compared to the views of other African leaders and to present and past Communist doctrine.