A significant conference titled “Illegal French Occupation of Mayotte Island of Comoros Union” has officially begun in Baku, bringing together a diverse array of voices to discuss the ongoing French presence on Mayotte Island, which remains a contentious issue within the Comoros Union.
The event, organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), has drawn a wide range of participants, including public officials, political figures, scholars, human rights advocates, and leaders of non-governmental organizations from across the Union of the Comoros. Notably, representatives from Mayotte Island itself are in attendance, highlighting the local and regional importance of this issue. The attendees are unified in their stance against the French occupation, advocating for the island’s rightful return to the Comoros Union.
Diplomatic representatives accredited in Azerbaijan are also participating in the conference, emphasizing the international dimension of the discussions.
The conference agenda is comprehensive, covering the historical context of French colonialism in the Comoros and the specific circumstances surrounding the occupation of Mayotte. Participants are expected to address the wide-ranging impacts of this occupation on the people of Mayotte, including economic, social, and political consequences. The discussions will also explore France’s geopolitical and economic motivations in maintaining control over the island, as well as the broader implications of this policy for the region.
In addition, the conference will scrutinize the responses and positions of international organizations regarding the status of Mayotte Island, considering the legal and diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
This conference is particularly noteworthy as it marks the 16th international event organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) in the past year. BIG has been actively supporting various movements that resist colonial policies, emphasizing the importance of international law and justice in resolving such disputes.
The event in Baku serves as a critical platform for advancing the dialogue on Mayotte’s future, with hopes of garnering increased international support for the Comoros Union’s efforts to reclaim the island.
