On April 3, Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), addressed a letter to Manuel Valls, the French Minister of Overseas Territories, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution in response to the situation in Kanaky and offering BIG’s mediation in negotiations between the French government and the Kanak people. In the letter, Abbas Abbasov stated that since its founding, BIG has prioritized dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. He emphasized that Valls's visit to Kanaky was commendable, as it allowed for direct observation of the regional situation and engagement with the demands of the Kanak people. Abbasov noted that "no process can be endless," adding that negotiations must be result-oriented. He criticized the French government for failing to fulfill its obligations, which he stated had been pending since 1946 and, more explicitly, since the Matignon Agreement of 1988. According to Abbasov, this failure has raised “serious concerns not only for the Kanak people but also for the Baku Initiative Group,” which he described as an international NGO focused on decolonization. He stated that BIG had proposed impartial mediation between the French government and Kanaky to reinvigorate the negotiation process. Abbasov emphasized that their offer was grounded in the trust the Kanak people have in the organization and its extensive experience in international decolonization efforts. Abbasov further stated that the Baku Initiative Group would continue to support the development of mutual understanding and cooperation by “ensuring a balanced and fair approach in the negotiations, in accordance with international legal norms and principles.”

Notably, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) is a Baku-based non-governmental organization backed by the Azerbaijani government. Established in July 2023, BIG actively supports the struggles for freedom and independence of people living under “colonial and neocolonial rule.” The official Baku uses this organization to exert pressure on France in global affairs. 

Relations between France and Azerbaijan have deteriorated significantly over the past year due to a series of diplomatic disputes and mutual accusations. Moreover, the most recent referendum, held in 2021, resulted in a majority favoring continued association with France, though the vote was boycotted by many Kanaks, raising questions about its legitimacy. Tensions escalated in May 2024 when the French Parliament proposed changes to New Caledonia's electoral laws, aiming to include residents from mainland France in the voting process. The Kanak population perceived this as a threat to their political influence and the prospect of independence. The proposed reforms led to widespread unrest, resulting in 13 deaths, nearly 3,000 arrests, and significant property damage.