TimeTürk: Azerbaijan shines spotlight on France's colonial history in New Caledonia

The West’s claims of promoting human rights and democracy stand in sharp contrast with reality, with some observers arguing that Western countries often use these ideals to advance geopolitical goals, an article in TimeTürk reads. 

According to Turkish publication TimeTürk in an article entitled “France, New Caledonia and Electoral Conscience,” Azerbaijan’s stance on France's colonial policy in New Caledonia has drawn attention to Paris’s approach, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The article, authored by Shakir Kurter, recalls that France seized New Caledonia in 1853, and today the territory remains “one of the most shameful examples of colonialism in the world.” Kurter notes that Paris has long postponed a referendum on New Caledonia’s independence, manipulated electoral processes, and attempted to alter the region’s ethnic composition to the detriment of the indigenous Kanak population.

“In 21st-century New Caledonia, the scenario of 19th-century Algeria is effectively being repeated,” the article states. 

Meanwhile, France continues to intervene in other countries’ internal affairs, discussing issues such as the Kurdish question in Türkiye and making pro-Armenian statements directed at Azerbaijan, while also supporting terrorists in Syria, according to the publication.

Kurter adds that when attention turns to France itself or its overseas territories, Paris “drops the mask” and systematically curtails the rights of indigenous populations, including in Corsica.

Azerbaijan’s support for the rights of New Caledonia’s inhabitants, the article notes, has dealt “a powerful blow” to what it describes as Paris’s “selective conscience.” Azerbaijani flags have been raised at rallies in New Caledonia, prompting concern in Paris and criticism from Western media, which accused Baku of “provocations.”

“The ‘signboard of freedom’ and claims of the moral superiority of the West cannot withstand the pressure of demands for justice,” the publication emphasises. 

Kurter concludes that Azerbaijan’s stance represents “a manifesto aimed at destroying the West’s selective approaches,” adding that “justice is a reflection of universal human values, not the hypocrisy of the West.”

By Sabina Mammadli