Azerbaijan to support activists oppressed by France, announces scholarships

Head of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Abbas Abbasov addressed the plight of New Caledonia activists facing unjustified violence and unlawful arrests during recent protests for justice.

Speaking at the first congress attended by leaders advocating independence from French neo-colonialism, Abbasov underscored Azerbaijan's pledge to offer comprehensive medical and legal assistance to those detained, Caliber.Az reports.

He also announced Azerbaijan's initiative to launch scholarships starting this academic year, aimed at enabling citizens from nations oppressed by French policies to pursue higher education at Azerbaijani universities.

"We have effectively brought the realities of French neo-colonialism to global attention through political determination. Our efforts, however, extend beyond this," Abbasov noted.

He highlighted tangible progress in political, health, and educational cooperation, affirming ongoing commitments in these areas.

The inaugural congress of leaders from over 15 political parties and movements advocating for the independence of Corsica, Melanesia, Polynesia, the Caribbean, and the Antilles, regions historically impacted by French colonialism, commenced in Baku on July 17.

The event is organized by the People's Association for the Liberation of Guadeloupe and supported by the Baku Initiative Group.

The Baku Initiative Group, formed on July 6, 2023, during the "Towards Total Elimination of Colonialism" conference in Baku, emerged from discussions held alongside the ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement, chaired by Azerbaijan.

The group is committed to supporting the global movement for freedom, particularly for people still grappling with colonial legacies in the 21st century.