French media founder: Baku Initiative Group amplifies voices of decolonisation

The Baku Initiative Group is providing a platform for peoples, local cultures and communities advocating decolonisation and opposing neocolonialism, amplifying voices that have long gone unheard, Jean-Michel Brun, founder of the “Muslims of France” news portal, said.

Speaking to state media on the sidelines of an event in Baku, Brun said the group, led by Executive Director Abbas Abbasov, plays a key role in bringing the voices of peoples striving for decolonisation to the international community.

“This is an extremely important initiative. Because this platform gives the right to express their opinions to people, local communities and cultures whose voices have not been heard for many years,” he said.

Brun said the media play a central role in the decolonisation process, noting that colonisation extended beyond political and economic control into the cultural sphere.

“Therefore, decolonisation must also take place through culture. The press plays an important role in this process. Because the mass media bring back to the agenda a history that was silenced for many years, contribute to revealing the truth and restoring the historical memory of peoples,” he added.

By Tamilla Hasanova