Azerbaijan is organizing a congress in Nouméa to discuss "decolonization" in New Caledonia, an act French MEP François-Xavier Bellamy says strikes at the heart of France’s territorial integrity.

“Azerbaijan is now organizing a congress in Nouméa, calling for 'decolonization,' attacking our law enforcement abroad, and publicly threatening France’s sovereignty. When will the government respond?” Bellamy wrote on X.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also addressed the issue, emphasizing that Azerbaijan’s actions in France’s overseas territories are destabilizing and must cease immediately.

On January 23–24, the first congress of the so-called “International Decolonization Front” took place in the city of Kanak, with Azerbaijan participating online after being denied entry visas. The organization was founded in Baku in July 2024.

In May 2024, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Azerbaijan of interfering in New Caledonia’s internal affairs and connecting with unrest in the Pacific island. Protests at the time even featured Azerbaijani flags.

Notably, on April 18, 2024, Azerbaijan and New Caledonia signed a memorandum of cooperation, which also sparked widespread criticism in France.