France accuses Azerbaijan of meddling in New Caledonia riots

In recent days, New Caledonia has been plagued by violent protests, looting, and arson attacks, resulting in multiple deaths. The unrest was sparked by discontent over proposed changes to voting rights, which supporters of independence from France claim discriminate against the indigenous Kanak population. France declared a state of emergency in response to the situation. Azerbaijan has also been drawn into the controversy, with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin accusing the country of being involved in the riots, a charge that was swiftly denied by Azerbaijani authorities.