Baku Initiative Group condemns anti-Azerbaijan statements at Francophonie Summit

The Baku Initiative Group has issued a strong condemnation regarding the inclusion of biased and provocative statements against Azerbaijan, allegedly backed by France, at the ongoing summit of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris.

In a statement, the group criticized the OIF for adopting documents that target Azerbaijan—a sovereign nation that is not a member of the organization—on matters beyond its intended cultural mandate, Caliber.Az reports.

Bakı Təşəbbüs Qrupunun Bəyanatı

Fransanın Villers-Cotterêts və Paris şəhərlərində davam edən Beynəlxalq Frankofoniya Təşkilatının Zirvə Görüşü çərçivəsində Fransanın birbaşa dəstəyi ilə Azərbaycan əleyhinə birtərəfli, qərəzli və təhriflərlə dolu təhrikçi ifadələr daxil… pic.twitter.com/Om4dBwmSKJ

— Baku Initiative Group (@bakuinitiative) October 5, 2024

They argued that such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the OIF but also indicate its manipulation by France as a political tool to exert pressure on other nations.

The Baku Initiative Group advocates for decolonization and adherence to international law. They urged the OIF to recognize and address the human rights violations perpetrated by the French government in its overseas territories.

The group highlighted recent incidents, including the deaths of over ten civilians and hundreds of arrests in New Caledonia during peaceful protests against the French government's violations of the rights of the Kanak people. They also pointed out that approximately ten protesters are being treated as political prisoners in France.

Additionally, they criticized France’s attempts to suppress local culture in its territories. In French Polynesia, for instance, the government is reportedly trying to silence Radio Tefana, a vital platform for local voices and traditions.

The Baku Initiative Group noted that the French government has banned the Corsican language in public institutions on the island of Corsica, and has implemented restrictive policies in Mayotte—an island it annexed—further marginalizing the local culture and language.

The statement emphasized that France's historical and ongoing policies in its overseas territories demonstrate a systematic effort to erase national identities, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and respect for cultural rights.

In conclusion, the Baku Initiative Group called for a reassessment of the role of the OIF and urged member states to address the ongoing injustices facilitated by France in its former colonies.

By Vafa Guliyeva