France on Thursday has leveled accusations against Azerbaijan, claiming interference in the political affairs of its Pacific territory, New Caledonia.
The allegations come amid violent demonstrations in New Caledonia, inciting tensions between France and the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin accused Azerbaijan, along with China and Russia, of meddling in New Caledonia’s affairs, particularly concerning proposed voting rule changes that pro-independence groups deem discriminatory against the native Kanak people.
However, Azerbaijan swiftly rebuffed the claims, dismissing any connection between its leadership and New Caledonian independence activists.
The strained relations between Paris and Baku have grown in the wake of the 2020 war, and 2023 lightning offensive, that Azerbaijan waged to regain control of its breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region from ethnic Armenian separatists.
France is a traditional ally of Christian Armenia, Azerbaijan’s neighbor and historic rival, and is also home to a significant Armenian diaspora. Darmanin said Azerbaijan – which has been led since 2003 by President Ilham Aliyev, who succeeded his father Heydar – was a “dictatorship”.
Adding to the diplomatic tensions, France banned Chinese-owned company TikTok in New Caledonia over concerns about spreading foreign-backed disinformation.
In response to France’s allegations, Azerbaijan invited separatists from several French territories to a conference in Baku, forming the “Baku Initiative Group” to support anti-colonial movements.
While French lawmakers acknowledge internal disputes over election reform as the core issue, they remain vigilant against perceived external interference.
Comments