Azerbaijan took advantage of hosting COP29 in its capital in November to get a little closer to French overseas territories. In a context of growing diplomatic tensions between Paris and Baku, the French authorities accuse Azerbaijan of stirring up independence sentiments in its overseas territories.
From our special correspondent returning from Baku,
At the Malian pavilion of the 29th UN climate summit, a conference. Among the speakers, Guadeloupeans, Martiniqueans, and even Kanaks. The subject: the impact of French colonization on climate change. All organized by Azerbaijan. As we try to interview one of the speakers, an Azerbaijani television presenter cuts us off. In perfect French, he invites him live on his set to question him about France’s recent tensions with its Overseas.
To listen in GeopoliticsOverseas: the roots of anger
Around the stage, members of the Baku Initiative Group, an NGO created in July 2023. It officially aims to “ supporting people in the face of neo-colonialism » and regularly organizes meetings with all overseas independence parties.
Paris, for its part, accuses Baku of using the group as a tool of interference in order to agitate the desire for independence in its overseas territories. What Jean-Jacob Bicep, secretary general of the Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe, refutes: “ They [la France] are worried about the relationship, they’re probably afraid that all the former colonies will rise up at once, and that they won’t be able to handle it. Me, I think that helps thatAzerbaijan brings us more problems than it brings him anything. There is a desire to help countries still colonized, there are no questions to ask. »
If some may wonder why Azerbaijan is interested in this subject, Jean-Jacob Bicep answers: “ At that time, Azerbaijan assumed the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement. In the very constitution of the Non-Aligned Movement, there is the principle of decolonization, it is one of the great principles. »
Tensions linked to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh
At the origin of the acceleration of diplomatic tensions between Paris and Baku, the French decision to deliver arms to its ally, Armenia, in conflict with Azerbaijan for nearly 30 years over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. “ France has always tried to maintain a fairly balanced attitude between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We can say that this balance has been broken since this administration of President Macron came to power, analyzes Elchin Amirbayov, representative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev and former ambassador to France. The delivery of lethal and offensive weapons to Armenia is considered by us to be an absolute act of hostility. »
In this context, the Quai d’Orsay now advises all French people against traveling to Azerbaijan. In fact, since the start of the year, two French people have been arrested, including Théo Clerc. Sentenced to three years in prison for graffiti in the metro, his appeal trial is to be held this Monday, December 16.
Also readThe Nagorno-Karabakh crisis in five questions