France Accuses Azerbaijan of interfering in New Caledonia as PM arrives for Climate Change talks
New Caledonia’s Unrest
New Caledonia, a French-ruled territory in the Pacific, has experienced significant turmoil due to a controversial electoral reform. This reform is perceived by pro-independence groups, primarily representing the indigenous Kanak population, as a threat to their political influence. The reforms propose to extend voting rights to residents who have lived in New Caledonia for over a decade, potentially diluting the Kanak vote, which has intensified longstanding tensions over self-determination and colonial legacies.
France’s Accusations Against Azerbaijan
France has accused Azerbaijan of exacerbating the riots by disseminating misleading content on social media. According to France’s online disinformation watchdog, Viginum, Azeri social media accounts linked to the ruling party YAP (Yeni Azərbaycan Partiyası) have spread anti-French propaganda. These posts included graphic images falsely portraying French police as murderers of pro-independence protesters, using hashtags like #RecognizeNewCaledonia and #FrenchColonialism.
Azerbaijan’s Denial and Response
Azerbaijan has vehemently denied these accusations. Its Foreign Ministry labelled the claims as baseless and suggested that France should instead address its internal issues in New Caledonia. This denial comes amidst broader geopolitical tensions, especially concerning France’s support for Armenia, Azerbaijan’s regional rival.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
Azerbaijan and France have a history of strained relations, particularly due to France’s support for Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This historical context sheds light on the motivations behind Azerbaijan’s alleged actions. The accusation that Azerbaijan is stirring unrest in New Caledonia is seen as part of its broader strategy to counteract French influence globally, particularly in regions where France has historical ties.
The Role of Social Media and Disinformation
The alleged disinformation campaign highlights the role of social media in modern geopolitical conflicts. Viginum’s report indicated that Azerbaijani social media activity included coordinated efforts to spread false information about the situation in New Caledonia, with thousands of posts amplifying the misleading narrative. This tactic mirrors strategies previously seen in other geopolitical disputes involving disinformation.
International Reactions and Further Implications
Internationally, these accusations have raised concerns about the increasing use of digital disinformation as a tool of statecraft. France’s response, including its crackdown on social media platforms like TikTok in New Caledonia, underscores the perceived threat of foreign interference in domestic affairs.
Connection to Recent Developments.
Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, was recently in Azerbaijan last week at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev to discuss climate change issues. This visit highlights Azerbaijan’s active engagement in international diplomacy, which contrasts with the accusations of its involvement in fomenting unrest in New Caledonia. It suggests a complex and multifaceted foreign policy approach by Azerbaijan, balancing diplomatic outreach with contentious geopolitical actions.
The unrest in New Caledonia is rooted in deep-seated political and cultural tensions. France’s accusations against Azerbaijan add a layer of international intrigue, suggesting that the Pacific territory’s turmoil is being influenced by distant geopolitical rivalries. This situation underscores the broader implications of digital disinformation and the intricate web of global political dynamics.
