Crossword Genius

Hatred of West African country church (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

malice

'hatred' is the definition.
(I know that malice is a type of malevolence)

'west african country church' is the wordplay.
'west african country' becomes 'Mali' (country in West Africa).
'church' becomes 'CE' (abbreviation for Church of England).
'mali'+'ce'='MALICE'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for malice that I've seen before include "Spite, venom" , "'Ill-will, spite (6)'" , "evil intent" , "Ill will, a desire to harm others" , "Spite or spleen, perhaps aforethought" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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