New Caledonia is a French territory located in the Pacific between Australia and Fiji, currently engaged in a struggle for independence. The region was discovered in 1774 by British explorer James Cook. Its name, New Caledonia, was inspired by the Latin name for Scotland—Caledonia. In 1853, it was annexed by France and has remained under French control to this day. In recent years, independence movements have intensified tensions in the region, especially due to discriminatory policies that have further fueled these movements.[1]
The desire for independence in New Caledonia has long been advocated by certain segments of the island’s population, particularly the indigenous Kanak people of Polynesian origin, and has been the subject of multiple referendums. The pursuit of independence has historically been shaped as a response to France’s colonial practices and the demographic changes on the island.
Due to these reactions, referendums have been held to decide on independence. Although the results have not been sufficient to achieve independence, they play a crucial role in sustaining the movement. The first referendum was held in 2018, with a turnout of approximately 80%. Of the voters, 56.7% said ‘no’ to independence from France. However, the 43.3% who voted ‘yes’ represented a significant proportion. In 2020, the public went to the polls for a second referendum, which saw a high turnout of 85.64%. This time, the ‘no’ votes amounted to 53.26%, showing a slight increase in support for independence. The demand for independence was particularly strong in the Northern Province and the Loyalty Islands, while the Southern Province largely voted against it. A third referendum was held in 2021, but turnout dropped to 43.90% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, 96.49% of those who voted rejected independence. However, this outcome has not completely brought the independence movement to an end.[2]
The French government has been conducting various assessments regarding the ongoing issues. In recent times, it has frequently claimed that these movements are being fueled by Azerbaijan. However, the Azerbaijani government denies these allegations. The appearance of Azerbaijani flags during protests in New Caledonia has led to widespread media discussion of the French government’s claims.
In recent years, tensions have arisen in France-Azerbaijan relations. The primary reason for this is considered to be France’s diplomatic and financial support for Yerevan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In November 2022, the French Senate adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijan, calling for its withdrawal from the Lachin Corridor, and demanding an international peacekeeping force in the region. While this decision is seen as being influenced by the strong Armenian diaspora in France, it was met with strong opposition from Azerbaijan.[3]
Due to these tensions, the French government has stated that Azerbaijan is closely involved in the New Caledonia issue. In 2024 and 2025, it alleged that there were connections between pro-independence groups in New Caledonia and Azerbaijan, and that Azerbaijan was actively working to escalate tensions on the island. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin claimed that agreements had been made between the leaders of the independence movements in New Caledonia and Azerbaijan, accusing Baku of supporting these separatist groups.[4]
At the core of this issue lies a cooperation agreement signed in April 2024 in Baku between representatives of New Caledonia and the Azerbaijani National Assembly, as well as the political and moral support provided in June 2024 in Azerbaijan to pro-independence movements backed by the New Caledonian Prime Minister’s office. These forms of support have drawn strong reactions from France, which claims they have contributed to the rise in protests against constitutional changes in New Caledonia and the outbreak of violent incidents.[5]
Azerbaijan has denied these accusations, asserting that it is not involved in the uprisings and incidents in New Caledonia. Azerbaijan stated that it supports the right of the people of New Caledonia to self-determination and that it will inform the international community on this matter. Additionally, Azerbaijan has shown solidarity with other independence movements through a platform called the “Baku Initiative Group” (BIG), which offers moral support to independence claims in regions colonized by France.[6]
The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) is essentially an organization that opposes French colonialism and colonization policies on international platforms, supporting freedom and decolonization movements. During the 2023–2024 period, the group declared its solidarity particularly with peoples living in France’s overseas territories who are seeking independence, and in this context, it has supported various communities standing against French colonialism.[7] Moreover, in 2023, during a conference held in Baku, leaders and representatives of independence movements from French overseas territories were invited, and BIG was officially established. The group provides political, moral, and diplomatic support to anti-colonial communities, especially the Kanak people of New Caledonia.
In July 2025, a historic agreement was reached between France, pro-independence groups, and pro-status quo factions on the island, under which New Caledonia is becoming a “special status state” within the French Republic. This does not mean that New Caledonia is separating from France. However, it marks a transition to a new structure in which the existing autonomy is significantly expanded and state-like characteristics are officially recognized.[8]
In conclusion, New Caledonia, with its strategic location in the Pacific, colonial history, and unique demographic structure, has long been a region demanding independence from France. This independence movement, led primarily by the Kanak people, has drawn international attention through referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Although these referendums have not resulted in full independence, the high turnout rates and voting patterns have demonstrated that a significant portion of the population desires the right to self-determination.
In recent years, an international dimension has been added to this struggle. Especially through the moral and diplomatic support provided by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), established in Azerbaijan, to independence movements in New Caledonia and other French colonies, a new line of tension has emerged in France-Azerbaijan relations. France’s perception of this support as interference and its association with the protests in New Caledonia demonstrate that the process has evolved into not just a local, but a global issue.
Developments in New Caledonia are expected to remain on the international agenda in the coming years. As pressures increase for France to confront its colonial past, similar movements may gain strength in other overseas territories. The active involvement of actors like Azerbaijan in this process could bring about new divisions in international relations. The future of New Caledonia will depend not only on internal dynamics within the island but also on global geopolitical developments.
[1] “New Caledonia profile”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-16740838, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
[2] “Fransız kolonisi Yeni Kaledonya’daki bağımsızlık arayışları 17 bin kilometre uzaktan bastırılıyor”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/fransiz-kolonisi-yeni-kaledonyadaki-bagimsizlik-arayislari-17-bin-kilometre-uzaktan-bastiriliyor/3223313, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
[3] “Fransa, Güney Kafkasya’da yeniden etkili olabilir mi?”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/analiz/fransa-guney-kafkasyada-yeniden-etkili-olabilir-mi/2749894, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
[4] “How is Azerbaijan involved with France and New Caledonia?”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/19/how-is-azerbaijan-involved-with-france-and-new-caledonia, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
[5] “Azerbaycan ve Fransa neden anlaşmazlık yaşıyor?”, Euronews, https://tr.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/11/16/azerbaycan-ve-fransa-neden-anlasmazlik-yasiyor, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
[6] Ibid.
[7] “Decolonization: Awakening of the Renaissance”, Baku İnitiative Group, https://bakuinitiative.org/en/event/decolonization-awakening-of-the-renaissance, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
[8] “New Caledonia to be declared a state in ‘historic’ agreement – but will remain French”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/13/new-caledonia-to-be-declared-a-state-in-historic-agreement-but-will-remain-french, (Access Date: 19.07.2025).
