Activists from Martinique and French Guiana push back against French assimilation policies at Baku conference PHOTO

At the international conference “Colonialism: Eradication of National-Religious Identity,” two prominent activists from Martinique and French Guiana addressed the ongoing struggle for economic and cultural independence in their respective territories, which remain under French control.

Luigi Boulet, head of the Movement of Democrats and Environmentalists of Martinique (MODEMAS), highlighted the economic challenges faced by Martinique, which remains heavily dependent on France despite its efforts to assert its identity, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"We don't have a free economy," Boulet stated, noting that industries like sugar and bananas, which form the backbone of the island's exports, are fully controlled by France. "Martiniquans do not really benefit from the use of their own resources," he emphasized, underscoring the limitations on the island's economic development.

Boulet also criticized the education system and law enforcement on the island for serving the interests of the French government rather than the local population. He explained that France attempts to present assimilation as a natural process, but the people of Martinique continue to speak their language and uphold their traditions. "This is our path to freedom," Boulet concluded.

Dominique Monte, a representative of the Movement for Decolonization and Social Emancipation (MDES) from French Guiana, shared a similar perspective on the colonial policies of France, which have resulted in the loss of cultural and national identity. 

"Our names, culture, and traditions were taken away from us. We were imposed alien values and forced to accept an alien history and culture," Monte explained.

She also pointed to the role of the education system in French Guiana, which she believes played a central role in the complete assimilation of the population. "The focus was exclusively on French history and culture, leaving us cut off from our roots," Monte said.

Despite these challenges, Monte expressed optimism, noting a resurgence in national consciousness in recent years.

"More and more residents are returning to their roots, and conferences on traditional faith, history, and cultural heritage are being held," she shared. "People are becoming aware of their belonging to the Afrodiaspora, and this is an important step toward recovering our true identity."

To note, the conference, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, is attended by representatives of independence movements from territories under the colonial control of France and the Netherlands, including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, New Caledonia (Kanaki), Corsica, Martinique, Reunion, Bonaire, French Polynesia, Mayotte, Wallis and Futuna, as well as relatives of political prisoners.

A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed within the framework of the conference between the Baku Initiative Group and one of the independence movements.

For the record, the Baku Initiative Group, an international non-governmental organization, is dedicated to fostering international partnerships in the fields of decolonization and human rights.

The group firmly and continuously supports the struggles for freedom and independence of those living under colonial and neocolonial rule, committing to solidarity and practical assistance.

Simultaneously, the organization contributes to women empowerment, human rights, environmental, and cultural issues.

By Khagan Isayev