A Case of Neocolonialism? Political Economy and Relations between Togo and France in Time of Decolonization and Independence

This dissertation examines the transformation of neocolonialism in Togo from the period of formal decolonization to the contemporary neoliberal era. Drawing on theories of neocolonialism, Françafrique, and critical development studies, the research argues that the end of colonial rule did not result in genuine political and economic autonomy for Togo. Instead, colonial relations were progressively reconfigured through political networks, financial mechanisms, development aid, and multinational corporate influence. The study first analyzes the decolonization process and the establishment of postcolonial relations between France and Togo. Particular attention is given to the examination of the Françafrique networks associated with Jacques Foccart. The dissertation argues that these networks enabled France to maintain significant political and economic influence in Togo after formal independence while relying on domestic authoritarian structures, particularly under the Eyadéma dynasty. The research further examines how development aid, the CFA franc system, and Structural Adjustment Programs promoted by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank contributed to the reproduction of dependency relations. While these policies were officially presented as instruments of modernization, economic stabilization, and development, critical scholarship suggests that they often reinforced external control over domestic economic policy, weakened state capacity, and increased reliance on foreign capital and international financial institutions. The dissertation also explores the neoliberal transformation of neocolonialism in Togo through the growing role of multinational corporations, particularly Bolloré, in controlling strategic infrastructures such as the Port Autonome de Lomé. Methodologically, the dissertation adopts a qualitative historical and political economy approach. The analysis is based on both primary and secondary sources, including academic literature, official reports, and archival documents from the French National Archives. These sources are used to trace the continuity and transformation of French influence in Togo from the colonial period to the present day. Overall, the dissertation argues that colonialism in Togo did not disappear after independence, but instead adapted to changing international contexts and transformed into neocolonialism. It evolved from direct political domination into more diffuse forms of economic control embedded in globalized markets, development institutions, and corporate networks.