Baku Initiative Group urges France to abandon baseless accusations and start to cooperate “Colonies Have the Right to Independence”

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has strongly rejected accusations from French officials regarding its involvement in the decolonization process in New Caledonia, calling for the French government to abandon baseless claims and pursue cooperation instead.

Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of BIG, responded to France’s allegations that the organization had interfered in Paris’s internal affairs, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

These accusations follow the Congress of the International Front for Decolonization, which took place in Kanaky (New Caledonia) on January 23-24, 2025. The event was founded in Azerbaijan with a focus on advancing the cause of decolonization worldwide.

"As you are aware, on January 23-24, 2025, the Congress of the International Front for Decolonization, founded in Azerbaijan, took place in Kanaky (New Caledonia). French officials refer to the decolonization process as an internal matter of France and, in this regard, accuse the Baku Initiative Group of interfering in Paris's internal affairs. BIG firmly rejects and condemns these accusations," said Abbasov.

Abbasov emphasized the symbolic importance of the Azerbaijani state flag raised in Kanaky, describing it as a gesture of gratitude from the Kanak people to Azerbaijan and its leadership.

"Fundamental human rights and the desire of people to be free cannot be considered the internal affair of one country, and officials in France, which calls itself the cradle of democracy, understand this well. In the 21st century, there is no place for colonialism, and this right of the peoples, who are the true owners of these territories, must be recognized without delay. Regardless of location, human freedoms are fundamental values and must be respected by all," stated Abbasov.

He further explained that BIG, an international NGO dedicated to combating colonialism, has made decolonization its primary objective and continues to work towards this goal as part of its mandate.

"Colonies have the right to independence. This can also be viewed as restoring historical justice," Abbasov added.

The accusations from France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who criticized Azerbaijan’s involvement in the affairs of overseas territories, have sparked widespread debate.

Abbasov called on international organizations and the global community to lend their support to BIG’s efforts in advancing the cause of decolonization.

By Khagan Isayev