_x000D_Screenshot: ABC News In-depth (youtube.com)
Where is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is a French territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Specifically, it lies east of Australia and west of Fiji. Despite its idyllic location, New Caledonia has been in the news recently due to significant unrest. On May 15, 2024, France declared a state of emergency after violent protests triggered by new voting reforms that could potentially dilute the indigenous Kanak votes. These protests led to the deaths of five people and injuries to over 60 security personnel. Adding an international twist, France has accused Azerbaijan of meddling in the unrest, an allegation that Azerbaijan denies._x000D_
What does Azerbaijan have to do with it?
_x000D_Azerbaijan invited separatists from various French territories, including New Caledonia, to a conference in Baku, leading to the creation of the “Baku Initiative Group,” which supports anti-colonial movements and independence struggles in French territories. France and Azerbaijan have strained relations due to France’s support for Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.