New Caledonia, one of France’s overseas territories, has recently been in the spotlight due to political violence incidents. In addition to these uprisings, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is accusing Azerbaijan regarding the issues in New Caledonia. This situation is leading to diplomatic tensions between France and Azerbaijan.
New Caledonia, located between Australia and Fiji, is a French territory that has long been seeking independence. There have been ongoing tensions between the indigenous Kanak people and the colonizers for years. These tensions have been reignited by new voting reforms adopted in the National Assembly in Paris. The new law grants the right to vote in local elections to individuals who have lived in New Caledonia for at least ten years. According to pro-independence groups, this decreases the voting rates of Kanak natives and weakens their struggle.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin claimed on Thursday, May 16, 2024, that Azerbaijan is behind the unrest in New Caledonia. Darmanin further emphasized that France will oppose any attempt to interfere with its national sovereignty. New Caledonia, under French sovereignty since 1853, is a highly autonomous territory.[1]
Azerbaijan strongly denies these allegations. Ayhan Hacızade, the spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that these accusations are unfounded and there is no connection between the leaders of the freedom struggle in New Caledonia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan argues that France should cease its smear campaign with such accusations.
Tensions between France and Azerbaijan are not limited to just New Caledonia. France is a traditional ally of Armenia, Azerbaijan’s historical rival. Following the 2020 war, during Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive to retake Karabakh, France openly supported Armenia. Paris’ support for Yerevan includes defense agreements and supplying military equipment.[2]
Recent political tensions and social unrest in New Caledonia have led to an increase in intervention by the French government and intensified security measures on the island. These developments highlight the security situation and the issues threatening social stability on the island.
Following the declaration of a state of emergency by France, the number of reported violent incidents in New Caledonia is slightly decreasing. Authorities are deploying 1,000 additional forces for security services and granting expanded powers to suppress unrest. High Commissioner Louis Le Franc is implementing stringent measures under the state of emergency declared by President Emmanuel Macron, extending the curfew at night. This situation is planned to continue for at least 11 days. French military forces are deployed to protect ports and airports and to relieve police units.[3]
The French government has increased security measures in New Caledonia by sending military reinforcements. However, the underlying reasons for this military intervention are more complex. The political tensions on the island stem from long-standing historical and cultural dynamics. The tensions between the Kanak people, who are the indigenous population of the island, and the French government, are rooted in demands for independence and disagreements over the island’s governance, forming the foundation of ongoing issues.[4]
Recent events have exposed deep-seated political and social issues in the structure of the island. There has been an increase in feelings of distrust and dissatisfaction between the local government and the people on the island. The policies and practices of the French government towards the island have drawn backlash from the local population and contributed to the escalating unrest.
Following the recent events, New Caledonia experienced an unexpected cyber attack. This attack occurred shortly after the announcement of Macron’s visit to the island, causing chaos and concern among the locals.
The government of New Caledonia has announced that the island’s internet network was subjected to a cyber attack of “unprecedented force,” targeting “millions of emails” sent simultaneously. This attack is said to have been carried out with the aim of disrupting communication on the island and rendering the network non-functional. The timing of this attack, occurring immediately after Macron’s visit was announced, has raised questions about its nature and purpose.[5]
The events in New Caledonia have led to the closure of the island’s airports, trapping many tourists in the region. There is uncertainty about the return of tourists to their countries, and many people are experiencing significant difficulties during this process.
The French government has deployed military reinforcements to stabilize the security situation on the island. However, these measures do not provide a quick solution for stranded tourists due to the closure of airports. Tourists are facing increasing expenses and uncertainty about their return day by day.[6]
The situation in New Caledonia is further escalating diplomatic tensions between France and Azerbaijan. France accuses Azerbaijan of intervening in the events in New Caledonia, while Azerbaijan denies these allegations. This tension between the two countries has the potential to create broader implications both regionally and internationally.
[1] “France accuses Azerbaijan of fomenting political violence in New Caledonia”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/2024/05/17/france-accuses-azerbaijan-of-fomenting-political-violence-in-new-caledonia, (Date of Access:22.05.2024).
[2] “Troubles en Nouvelle-Calédonie : pourquoi parle-t-on de l’Azerbaïdjan ?”, Euronews, https://fr.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/19/troubles-en-nouvelle-caledonie-pourquoi-parle-t-on-de-lazerbaidjan, (Date of Access:22.05.2024).
[3] ”La Nouvelle-Calédonie visée par une cyberattaque “inédite”, le gouvernement local évoque des “IP russes”“, BFMTV, https://www.bfmtv.com/politique/direct-nouvelle-caledonie-macron-en-route-vers-l-archipel-des-unites-du-gign-et-du-raid-deployes_LN-202405220041.html, (Date of Access:22.05.2024).
[4] “Des renforts militaires envoyés en Nouvelle-Calédonie où 1050 gendarmes et policiers sont déjà arrivés”, Ouest France, https://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2024/05/20/les-renforts-en-nouvelle-caledonie-reduisent-d-autant-les-mo-24640.html, (Date of Access:22.05.2024).
[5] “Nouvelle-Calédonie : avant l’arrivée de Macron à Nouméa, l’archipel visé par une cyberattaque «inédite»“, Le Figaro, https://www.lefigaro.fr/politique/la-nouvelle-caledonie-visee-par-une-cyberattaque-inedite-20240522, (Date of Access:22.05.2024).
[6] “Émeutes en Nouvelle-Calédonie: l’incertitude des touristes souhaitant revenir dans l’Hexagone”, BFMTV, https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entreprises/transports/emeutes-en-nouvelle-caledonie-l-incertitude-des-touristes-souhaitant-revenir-dans-l-hexagone_AV-202405220468.html, (Date of Access:22.05.2024).
