Baku Initiative Group denounces French minister’s "baseless" accusations on colonial history

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has firmly rejected the accusations made by Manuel Valls, the French Overseas Minister, during his recent visit to New Caledonia.

In a statement issued on February 28, BIG’s Executive Director, Abbas Abbasov, denounced the remarks as “baseless” and “biased,” describing them as an unfounded attempt to deflect attention from France's colonial history and its ongoing repression of the Kanak people in New Caledonia, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

Abbasov emphasized that BIG, an independent initiative, does not interfere in the internal affairs of any nation and called Valls' comments an attempt to conceal France's colonial legacy, which he argued continues to affect the Kanak people.

In his statement, Abbasov also alluded to ongoing research by the Baku Initiative Group, which is compiling reports that document alleged crimes committed by France during its colonial rule, including ethnic cleansing and atrocities against indigenous populations.

The Baku Initiative Group has long focused on highlighting human rights issues related to colonialism, and Abbasov’s comments signal the organization's commitment to bringing attention to what it sees as unresolved injustices perpetrated by colonial powers, particularly France.

By Vafa Guliyeva