The French Senate has released a comprehensive report on its Pacific territories, expressing concern over the interference of a foreign power in the region. The 111-page report covers various issues, including changes to territories’ autonomy status and the growing drug problem. The senators highlight that due to its strategic location, French Polynesia is particularly susceptible to the influence of major powers such as the United States, Asia, and China. However, it is Azerbaijan that receives the most criticism in the report. France’s support for Christian Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has strained relations between the two countries. In response, Azerbaijan invited separatists from French territories for a conference in Baku in 2023, resulting in the formation of a group supporting “French liberation and anti-colonialist movements.” While Azerbaijan denies any connection with pro-independence movements in French Polynesia, the Senate report claims that Azerbaijan provides political and material support through this group.
The deteriorating relationship between France and Azerbaijan led to France recalling its ambassador earlier this year. The Senate report emphasizes concerns about foreign interference or influence encouraging anti-French sentiments in New Caledonia and calls for monitoring such attempts.
The situation is further complicated by differing political opinions within both pro-French autonomy parties and pro-independence camps across these territories. Shifting allegiances with other countries like Azerbaijan reflect these divisions.
In terms of self-administration powers for these territories located thousands of kilometers away from France, the Senate suggests clearer definitions and more delegated authority should be established. President Moetai Brotherson of French Polynesia’s pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira party expressed satisfaction after meeting Overseas Minister François-Noël Buffet who acknowledged challenges faced when administering distant collectivities like French Polynesia.
However, despite these discussions on autonomy status and concerns about foreign interference, there seems to be little hope for significant change as concluded by the Senate report which considers current autonomy status as France’s most accomplished example under its Constitution.
France currently provides annual funding worth €1.7 billion (US$1.85 billion) to support its Pacific territories.