Baku Initiative Group calls for lawful path to Guadeloupe's independence

The independence of Guadeloupe must be realised within the framework of international law, said Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), during today’s international conference in Baku focused on the decolonisation of Guadeloupe.

Abbasov emphasised that Guadeloupe continues to suffer under French colonialism and expressed hope that its independence would be achieved in accordance with international legal norms, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

France, he noted, bears direct responsibility for the colonial subjugation of Guadeloupe — a legacy that has left a lasting scar on the Caribbean island’s history.

Speaking at the same conference, titled "Towards the Decolonisation of Guadeloupe: Challenges and Prospects," José Marten Jean-Pierre, Secretary of the International Front for the Decolonisation of Guadeloupe, delivered a powerful address.

“Colonial oppression brought unspeakable suffering to the indigenous population. Our natural resources were ruthlessly stripped away, rivers of innocent blood were shed, and thousands lost their lives. Many could not survive the inhuman conditions we were forced to endure,” Jean-Pierre stated.

“Yet even in the darkest times, our women and children continued the resistance with incredible pride — their courage became our greatest weapon in standing up to our oppressors.”

Jean-Pierre stressed that the people of Guadeloupe firmly oppose the continuation of colonial policies in today’s world.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Azerbaijan in the pursuit of justice. We express our deepest gratitude to the Baku Initiative Group and the people of Azerbaijan for their solidarity in our struggle,” he concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova