French Minister Condemns Azerbaijan’s “Destabilization Policy” in New Caledonia, Reminds of Ethnic Cleansing in Karabakh

French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls has vowed that the government will deploy “all necessary means” to counter foreign interference, accusing Azerbaijan of pursuing a policy of destabilization in New Caledonia. Speaking during a visit to the French Pacific territory, Valls claimed that Baku is actively trying to influence political debates and exploit crises in the archipelago, Le Figaro (https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/nouvelle-caledonie-valls-denonce-la-politique-de-destabilisation-de-l-azerbaidjan-20250228https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/nouvelle-caledonie-valls-denonce-la-politique-de-destabilisation-de-l-azerbaidjan-20250228) reported.

“Azerbaijan is not only seeking to sway political discussions and take advantage of moments of crisis, such as the one New Caledonia recently experienced, but is also engaging in direct interference and destabilization efforts,” Valls stated during negotiations on the territory’s institutional future in Nouméa.

Azerbaijan’s Alleged Influence Campaign

The minister also criticized Azerbaijan’s attempts to position itself as a defender of democracy, calling it disingenuous. “Demanding more democracy and protection from a country that does not practice democracy itself and has carried out ethnic cleansing in Karabakh makes it clear that their true aim is not to protect anyone here, but rather to undermine France,” he said, following a meeting with Véronique Roger-Lacan, France’s ambassador to the Pacific.

The remarks come amid renewed concerns over Azerbaijan’s growing outreach to separatist movements in France’s overseas territories. This week, journalists from France’s overseas regions were reportedly invited to Azerbaijan to “strengthen media ties between Azerbaijan and nations affected by French colonial policies,” according to a Facebook post by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG)—an organization closely linked to the Azerbaijani government and known for supporting French independence movements.