Baku Initiative Group, Corsican movement sign cooperation pact in Rome to promote human rights PHOTO

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) and the Corsican pro-independence movement Nazione signed a memorandum of cooperation during a conference, focused on combating colonialism, neocolonialism, and promoting human rights in Rome on May 13, 2025. 

The memorandum signed during a jointly organised conference titled “National Identity, Resistance, and Sovereignty: Perspectives for Corsica” outlines joint efforts to combat colonial and neocolonial practices, with a focus on human rights advocacy, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Planned initiatives include coordinated actions on international platforms and collaborative projects. The conference featured leaders and representatives from Nazione, as well as Tural Ganjaliyev, a member of the Support Group for the People of Corsica in Azerbaijan's parliament. 

The event commenced with a moment of silence to honour the Kanak people who lost their lives on May 13, 2024, due to actions by French security forces and affiliated armed groups in New Caledonia (Kanaky). Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of BIG, expressed solidarity with the legitimate struggles of Corsicans, Kanaks, and other peoples under colonial oppression, highlighting BIG's activities in this regard. Nazione members sharply criticised France's colonial policies towards Corsica, particularly assimilationist policies aimed at eradicating Corsican identity and language. 

They also highlighted economic and social discrimination against the island's indigenous population. Francois Benedetti, head of Nazione's international department, reminded attendees of Corsica's 1755 independence constitution, quoting, “The Corsican people, lawfully owning themselves...” He emphasised that despite French occupation since 1769, Corsicans' desire for freedom remains unchanged, and Nazione will continue its fight for Corsican independence from Paris. 

Benedetti also announced Nazione's goal to include Corsica in the United Nations list of territories to be decolonised and called on BIG to support this process. In his speech, Ganjaliyev highlighted Corsica's statehood traditions, the historical aspects of the island's occupation, and its people's right to self-determination. He expressed Azerbaijan's support and invited Corsican representatives to visit Azerbaijan to develop bilateral cooperation.

By Naila Huseynova