In a recent diplomatic spat, France has accused Azerbaijan of interference in the ongoing protests and violence that have engulfed its overseas territory of New Caledonia. The protests were triggered by the French government's decision to change a voting law, which has raised concerns among the Indigenous Kanak communities regarding their aspirations for independence.

The French parliament passed reforms allowing French citizens who have lived in New Caledonia for over 10 years to vote in local provincial elections, a move defended by the government as upholding democracy. However, the Kanak people, who make up 40 percent of the population, fear that this change will undermine their pursuit of independence, as the territory was occupied by France in 1853 and settled by French citizens, displacing the Indigenous Kanak communities.

This week, violent protests erupted in New Caledonia, resulting in five deaths and hundreds of injuries. Looting and arson have also been reported, making it the worst violence the territory has witnessed in three decades. Responding to the unrest, France declared a state of emergency and deployed an additional 500 military and police personnel to support the existing 1,800 officers stationed in the territory.

France's accusation of Azerbaijan's interference stems from the presence of Azerbaijani flags alongside Kanak symbols during the protests. Images of these flags were shared on social media, leading to allegations of Azeri involvement. This accusation comes amidst previous tensions between France and Azerbaijan, particularly regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in which France supported Armenia.

Azerbaijan has been vocal against what it perceives as French colonialism and held a conference in 2023 titled "Towards the Complete Elimination of Colonialism," inviting pro-independence participants from various French territories, including New Caledonia. This initiative, known as the Baku Initiative Group, expressed solidarity with the Indigenous Kanak people against the new French reforms.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin accused Azerbaijan, along with China and Russia, of interfering in New Caledonia. However, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ayhan Hajizadeh, swiftly denied the allegations, asserting that there is no connection between Azerbaijan and the leaders of the New Caledonian struggle for freedom.

Tensions between France and Azerbaijan have been simmering, further fueled by France's support for Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. France's adoption of a resolution in 2020 calling for the region's independence led Azerbaijan to question France's mediation role. In response, France signed defense deals with Armenia and promised to provide military equipment during Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

As the diplomatic dispute between France and Azerbaijan unfolds, the situation in New Caledonia remains precarious. The ongoing protests, accompanied by violence, have prompted France to take measures to restore order, while accusations of interference add another layer of complexity to an already tense situation. The resolution to this conflict remains uncertain, as France grapples with the aspirations of the Indigenous Kanak people and navigates its relationship with Azerbaijan.