BIG, Ka Ubuntu collaborate for legal recognition of Réunion Island’s autonomy

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) and the Ka Ubuntu movement, which advocates for the independence of Réunion Island.

The agreement was formalized by BIG’s executive director, Abbas Abbasov, and Ka Ubuntu chairman, Romain Katambara, during an international conference held in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The conference, titled “Réunion Independence: A Look at France's Colonial Legacy and the Path to Sovereignty,” focused on efforts to raise awareness about the island's right to self-determination.

The memorandum outlines plans for practical cooperation between the two organizations. The conference brought together representatives from the Réunion independence movement, anti-colonial leaders, human rights defenders, NGO heads, and decolonization experts to discuss ways to support the island’s push for sovereignty.

Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, has a complex colonial history dating back to its seizure by France in 1642. Despite its status as an overseas department, the island faces significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, and depends heavily on France for trade and investment. Political limitations further hinder local autonomy, making the push for sovereignty more difficult.

The “Réunion Independence” conference emphasized the need for international legal mechanisms to recognize the island's right to self-determination and support its efforts to secure autonomy.

In July 2024, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan pledged support for independence movements in France's overseas territories, including Réunion. Aliyev criticized France’s colonial past and expressed Azerbaijan’s commitment to assisting these territories in their pursuit of freedom.

BIG, an Azerbaijani organization dedicated to fighting colonialism, has long been involved in promoting decolonization and the rights of oppressed peoples through international legal frameworks. The Group has organized various global events and initiatives, including those at the United Nations, advocating for the independence of colonized nations.

In addition to its decolonization work, BIG focuses on human rights, women’s empowerment, and environmental and cultural advocacy, reflecting its broad commitment to global social justice.

By Tamilla Hasanova