Relations between France and Azerbaijan have escalated in recent months, with Paris accusing Baku of interfering in New Caledonia’s internal affairs. The French government claims that Azerbaijan is supporting separatist movements in the Pacific territory, fueling unrest and instability. This is not the first time France has made such allegations, as similar claims were previously directed at Turkey, accusing Ankara of backing Caledonian separatists.

What is New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. It has a special semi-autonomous status within France but remains under French sovereignty.

Historically, New Caledonia was annexed by France in 1853 and initially used as a penal colony. Over time, it became a strategic stronghold for France in the Pacific. The indigenous Kanak people have long demanded independence, citing historical grievances and cultural suppression.

The territory has a population of approximately 270,000 people, including indigenous Kanaks, Europeans (mainly French settlers), and other ethnic groups. There has been a long-standing divide between pro-independence Kanak groups and pro-France factions. Three referendums were held on independence in 2018, 2020, and 2021, with the majority voting to remain under French rule, although the final referendum was boycotted by the Kanak people.

New Caledonia is rich in natural resources, particularly nickel, a key element in battery production. The territory plays a vital role in France’s Indo-Pacific strategy, helping it maintain a global presence in the region.

In May 2024, France introduced an electoral reform expanding voting rights to non-indigenous residents. The Kanak people saw this as an attempt to dilute their political power. Protests erupted into violent riots, resulting in multiple deaths, including a French police officer. France responded by deploying additional security forces to restore order.

France’s Allegations

French Interior and Overseas Territories Minister Gérald Darmanin has directly accused Azerbaijan of meddling in New Caledonia’s affairs.

"Some independence activists have made a deal with Azerbaijan. This is not speculation—it is a fact," Darmanin stated. (RBC)

These allegations stem from events and conferences reportedly supported by Azerbaijan. In April 2024, Azerbaijan’s parliament, the Milli Majlis, hosted a conference titled "New Caledonia: History, Current Challenges, and Expected Future." One of the participants, Ludovic Boula, a representative of New Caledonia’s indigenous Kanak people, publicly thanked Azerbaijan for its support in the struggle for independence. (Vedomosti)

This follows previous claims made against Turkey, when a French radio report accused Ankara of backing Caledonian separatists. Reports suggested that both Azerbaijan and Turkey were suspected of supporting unrest in New Caledonia, with intelligence sources in France claiming that Turkish and Azerbaijani interests aligned in an effort to weaken French influence. Turkey dismissed these claims as baseless and absurd, much like Azerbaijan is doing now.

Azerbaijan’s Response

Baku has strongly denied the French allegations. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizadeh called the accusations part of a "defamation campaign" and argued that France itself has a history of interfering in regional affairs.

A Broader Geopolitical Conflict?

The escalation of tensions between France and Azerbaijan extends beyond New Caledonia. It is part of a larger geopolitical struggle, including France’s strong support for Armenia in its ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan’s accusations that France continues colonial-era policies in its overseas territories, and the wider context of France’s diminishing global influence and Azerbaijan’s growing assertiveness on the international stage.

This is not the first instance of France linking foreign influence to unrest in New Caledonia. Previous allegations against Turkey suggest that France sees external actors as a persistent threat to its territorial control in the Pacific. With accusations now shifting to Azerbaijan, the situation raises concerns about France’s geopolitical struggles, the future stability of New Caledonia, and potential diplomatic consequences for all involved nations.