Nation formalises borders (4)

I believe the answer is:

mali

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'nation' is the definition.
(Mali is an example)

'formalises borders' is the wordplay.
'MALI' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mali that I've seen before include "W. African country" , "A state" , "Send mail out to Africa" , "Timbuktu is in this landlocked country" , "Land" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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