That said, Malians like Americans. I have not experienced any anti-American sentiment (that I know of, remember that are several languages being spoken here that I do not know :-) Receptions by individuals and whole communities is warm and welcoming. I will always remember when we dropped off one group of volunteers at their host family villages, many people in the village were there dancing, drumming and singing to welcome them. I have made about 4 new friends at this point. Some of them have said that they like Americans more than Europeans. When I asked them why, they said that we are more friendly somehow. That was good.
Some also asked why George Bush lied to the World about Iraq. (Their words, not mine.)
There is one interesting teeshirt that appears sometimes. As I recall, tt has a picture of the Twin Towers along the Bin Laden's name. I have been assured many times that it is considered an available, low cost garment in Mali, not a political statement.
So much for Mali in West Africa. How about other countries in West Africa and the rest of Africa? A very mixed bag. Some countries are hostile towards Americans, some are just hostile in general and even Malians do not want to go their (for example Nigeria). Mali north of Timbuctou in the Sahara is given over to terrorists from Algeria. White people should not go there without an army convoy escort. As I was considering a bike ride through Africa at the end of my stay, I could not get Malians to agree on more than 2 or 3 countries that would be safe for me to travel in, preferably not alone and NOT AT NIGHT.