In a recent development, France has accused Azerbaijan of fomenting political violence in the French Overseas territory of New Caledonia. The outbreak of rioting in the Pacific territory has led to a reinforcement of 1,000 local security services to maintain order.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin took to television to express his concerns, stating that it was not a mere fantasy but a reality that certain pro-independence leaders in New Caledonia had made a deal with Azerbaijan. He emphasized that the French government would not tolerate any external interference in their territories, asserting their sovereignty.

Azerbaijani diplomats promptly denied the allegations, proclaiming them unfounded and referring to them as a campaign of slander. However, French social media users, including right-wing opposition Republicans, shared images from a TV news report showing pro-independence New Caledonians wearing t-shirts featuring the Azerbaijani flag, further fueling speculation.

The strained relations between France and Azerbaijan have been an ongoing issue. France's large Armenian diaspora has played a role, with the country taking a firm stance against Azerbaijan during its retaking of control over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2023, leading to the displacement of thousands of ethnic Armenians.

France's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was mentioned in Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement, condemning the French side's insulting expressions against Azerbaijan. The statement questioned France's historical crimes against humanity and its colonial policies in overseas territories, urging them to focus on their own failed policies instead of baselessly accusing Azerbaijan.

The recent tensions in New Caledonia stem from the ongoing struggle between Indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and descendants of the colonizers who wish to remain part of France. The unrest intensified following protests over voting reforms passed in the French National Assembly, which allowed residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to participate in provincial elections.

Amidst the violence, France declared a state of emergency, leading to a slight decrease in reported violent incidents. To restore order, authorities deployed 1,000 reinforcements for security services, granting them increased powers. High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, the top French official in the territory, announced stringent measures under the state of emergency. These measures include an extended overnight curfew, deployment of military forces to protect ports and airports, and penalties of up to six months in prison and fines for curfew violations.

The state of emergency is expected to last for at least 11 days, allowing authorities to regain control and ensure the safety of the residents. It is crucial for everyone to follow the regulations and cooperate with the security services to bring peace to New Caledonia.