13/05/2025

National Identity, Resistance, and Sovereignty: Prospects for Corsica

May 13, a thematic conference titled “National Identity, Resistance, and Sovereignty: Prospects for Corsica” was held in Rome, Italy, jointly organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) and the Corsican pro-independence movement Nazione. The conference was attended by senior leaders and authorized representatives of the Nazione Movement, as well as Tural Ganjaliyev, a member of the Support Group for the People of Corsica operating within the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

The event began with a commemoration of the Kanak people who were killed exactly one year prior, on May 13, 2024, by French law enforcement agencies and the illegal militia groups they support in Kanaky (New Caledonia).

In his opening remarks, Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of BIG, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting the legitimate struggles of the Kanak, Corsican, and other colonized peoples, and provided an overview of the initiatives undertaken in this regard.  

During the conference, representatives of the Nazione Movement harshly condemned France's deliberate assimilation policies targeting Corsica’s national identity and language. They also brought attention to widespread economic and social discrimination faced by the Corsican people under French colonial rule.                                                                       

Chilianu Begliomini, Head of the Youth Division of the Nazione Movement, dedicated his speech to the Corsican language, which plays a vital role in shaping Corsican national identity.

Citing Corsican author Lisandru Bassani’s statement that “The Corsican language is the sanctuary of the Corsican people’s national identity,” Begliomini emphasized that France’s colonial authorities are actively suppressing the Corsican people’s desire to speak their mother tongue. He noted that international mechanisms have been engaged to draw the attention of the international community to this issue.

Nazione Movement representatives Thierry Casolasco and Jean-Phillipe Antolini spoke about the history of Corsican resistance, warning that if the current situation persists, the Corsican people—with their millennia-old history—risk being erased. They condemned the actions of unofficial armed groups (Barbouzards) operating under the directives of French law enforcement, aimed at eliminating those who fight for Corsican independence. They also denounced the awarding of medals to the officials involved in such operations. Francois Benedetti, Head of the International Division of the Nazione Movement, referred to Corsica’s 1755 Constitution and cited the phrase: “The Corsican people, rightful owners of their land…” Highlighting that Corsica was occupied by France in 1769, he stressed that the Corsican people's desire to restore their independence is non-negotiable and reaffirmed the Nazione Movement’s continued commitment to this cause.

He noted that the primary objective at present is to have Corsica included in the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and requested support from BIG in achieving this goal.

Tural Ganjaliyev, a member of the Support Group for the People of Corsica operating within the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the historical context of the occupation of Corsica and the island’s long-standing statehood traditions. He emphasized that the Corsican people deserve independence and extended an invitation to Corsican members of parliament to visit Azerbaijan to foster further cooperation. 

During the conference, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Baku Initiative Group and the Nazione Movement.

According to the memorandum, BIG and Nazione agreed to cooperate in the fight against colonialism and neocolonialism, and in the promotion and protection of human rights. To this end, the parties will undertake joint initiatives and coordinate efforts on international platforms.

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