Cooperation between the USSR/Russia and Togo: historical aspects, current tren and prospects

This article traces the historical evolution of political and economic relations between the Togolese Republic and the Soviet Union, and later the Russian Federation, in the broader context of the transformation of the international system towards a multipolar world. It examines the early stages of rapprochement between Lomé and Moscow in the 1960s, marked by symbolic but politically significant cooperation during the Cold War. The analysis highlights the impact of the collapse of the USSR in the 1990s, a period during which bilateral relations stagnated significantly due to the reorientation of Russian foreign policy and Russia's general withdrawal from sub-Saharan Africa. It was only in the early 2000s that exchanges between the two countries gradually resumed as part of Russia's new strategy to return to Africa. The article shows that, despite Russia's small share in Togo's foreign trade, some sectors, such as fertilisers, hydrocarbons and military equipment, are becoming strategic areas of cooperation. However, these recent economic initiatives cannot hide the remaining problems, including trade asymmetry, financial constraints and the consequences of international sanctions. In conclusion, the study emphasises the importance of updating the institutional framework for a sustainable revival of the Russian-Togolese partnership. The creation of alternative payment mechanisms, such as the MIR system, and the wider use of national currencies are seen as potential tools for economic sovereignty. In conclusion, although the Soviet past remains the foundation of bilateral relations, the future will depend on the ability of both states to transform this historical legacy into a balanced partnership adapted to the realities of the 21st century.