It can be said that the two countries share common goals, such as promoting peace, stability and development in the region. The strong ties between Guinea and Mali can be an asset in achieving these goals, by promoting closer and more effective regional cooperation.

CONTEXT OF THE STUDY

The context of our study is marked by a complex history and varied geography. Guinea and Mali, two West African countries, share a common border and have been influenced by successive empires and colonizations. Historically, the region was marked by the Mandingo Empire, which left a common cultural and linguistic legacy. Both countries were also colonized by France, which led to similarities in administrative and economic structures. Geographically, Guinea and Mali are characterized by diverse landscapes, ranging from coastal plains to mountains and deserts. This geographical diversity has influenced the lifestyles and economic activities of the populations. Currently, both countries face common challenges, such as poverty, corruption and social inequalities [2]. They also have development opportunities, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, energy and mineral resources. In this context, our study aims to understand the sociological links between Guinea and Mali, by analyzing social structures, cultural values and historical interactions. We are particularly interested in rural and urban communities, solidarity networks and commercial and cultural exchanges.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Central question

What are the sociological links between Guinea and Mali, and how do these links influence the dynamics of development and regional cooperation between the two countries?

2. Secondary questions

QS1: What are the mechanisms of solidarity and cooperation that exist between rural and urban communities in Guinea and Mali, and how do these mechanisms contribute to strengthening the links between the two countries?

QS2: How do shared cultural values and traditions influence relations between the two countries, and what are the factors that promote or hinder regional cooperation?

QS3: What is the impact of public policies and regional cooperation initiatives on the sociological links between Guinea and Mali, and how can these policies be improved to promote closer and more effective cooperation?

These secondary questions allow us to refine the research and explore specific aspects of the sociological links between Guinea and Mali.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. Main objective

To understand the sociological links that unite Guinea and Mali and to identify the factors that influence the dynamics of development and regional cooperation between the two countries.

2. Specific objectives

SO1: To identify and analyze the mechanisms of solidarity and cooperation that exist between rural and urban communities in Guinea and Mali.

SO2: To examine the influence of cultural values and common traditions on relations between the two countries and to identify the factors that promote or hinder regional cooperation.

SO3: To assess the impact of public policies and regional cooperation initiatives on the sociological links between Guinea and Mali and to propose recommendations to improve regional cooperation.

These specific objectives make it possible to break down the main objective into more precise and measurable objectives, which facilitates the design of the research and the evaluation of its results.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Studies on the sociological links between Guinea and Mali are numerous and varied. Some researchers have focused on the mechanisms of solidarity and cooperation that exist between rural and urban communities in the two countries [2,3]. Others have examined the influence of shared cultural values and traditions on relations between the two countries [1,4]. Public policies and regional cooperation initiatives have also been studied to understand their impact on the sociological links between Guinea and Mali [5,6]. However, there are gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the factors that promote or hinder regional cooperation between the two countries [6]. In addition, existing studies have mainly focused on the cultural and historical aspects of the links between Guinea and Mali, without examining in depth the dynamics of development and regional cooperation. Further research is therefore needed to fill these gaps and better understand the sociological links between Guinea and Mali.

PROBLEM

How can the sociological links between Guinea and Mali, woven through a complex shared history, intense cultural and economic exchanges, and shared values and traditions, be strengthened and consolidated to give rise to closer and more effective regional cooperation, capable of overcoming the challenges and obstacles related to cultural, linguistic and religious differences, as well as colonial and postcolonial legacies that continue to influence relations between the two countries?

This problem allows for an in-depth exploration of the sociological links between Guinea and Mali, considering their complexity and richness, as well as the challenges and obstacles that hinder their regional cooperation. It also allows for reflection on ways to strengthen and consolidate these links to promote closer and more effective regional cooperation.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA ANALYSIS

This section focuses on the overall research methodology applicable to this study. It covers the research plan, population, sample size, research instrument, and data processing and analysis methods.

1. Research plan and method

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the sociological links between Guinea and Mali in order to better respond to the multiple challenges related to their integration, and precisely to propose sustainable exit paths [4]. To do this, we opted for both a qualitative and quantitative approach because the study is based on a reasonable and measurable data collection process.

2. Population

The participants are citizens of Guinea and Mali residing in the respective countries at the time of the survey. They are chosen because of their leading role in understanding and appreciating the impact of sociological links on their own lives [5]. In view of all these factors, these resident citizens are likely to provide us with reliable and consistent information on the phenomenon studied. They are also in a better position to explain to us the challenges related to the management of these sociological links and to tell us how to manage them.

3. Sample size and research instrument

The study focuses on one hundred and fifty (101) resident citizens, or 50 people for Guinea and 51 for Mali. The research instrument used in this study is a single multiple-choice questionnaire, composed of fourteen (14) questions that serve to translate the objectives of the survey, and aims to collect data relating to the management of sociological links and proposals for improving it.

4. Data processing and analysis method

The raw data collected using the questionnaire will be clarified and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Sphinx software will be used as a tool for processing and analyzing the data collected (Figures 1-12).

5. Data presentation and analysis

This part presents the respondents' opinions on the concerns of the study.

Graphical representation of respondents by gender and nationality.

The results of our study, represented by the graphs above, show that Guinea and Mali share a common cultural matrix, with common values such as hospitality, solidarity and respect for elders [3]. The two countries also have similar social structures, with rural and urban communities that interact in complex ways.

DISCUSSION

Our findings demonstrate that Guinea and Mali form an integrated sociological system, functioning as two lungs in one body. Cultural, commercial and historical exchanges between the two countries have created strong ties that transcend political boundaries.

CONCLUSION

The evidence of the unity and uniqueness of the peoples of Guinea and Mali lies in their shared history, marked by the same influences and colonizations, which has shaped similar languages and dialects, as well as common traditions and customs. Their cultural expressions, such as music and dance, are also marked by similarities and mutual influences, as is their cuisine that shares common dishes and ingredients. The values and principles that animate the peoples of Guinea and Mali are also similar, with an emphasis on family, community and solidarity. This unity and uniqueness are the foundation of strong and sustainable regional cooperation. Our sociological study demonstrates that Guinea and Mali are two lungs in the same body, sharing the same cultural and social essence. This understanding can help strengthen ties between the two countries and promote closer regional cooperation.