A French energy company, TotalEnergies, is facing allegations of complicity in war crimes related to a massacre that occurred near its gas project in northern Mozambique in 2021. The accusations have been brought forward by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), which claims that the company is responsible for the torture and execution of numerous civilians by local security forces at its facility. TotalEnergies denies any responsibility for the actions of government troops who were protecting the gas facility in the Afungi peninsula.
The allegations stem from turmoil in Cabo Delgado province, where government forces were engaged in conflict with Islamist militants recognized for their violent tactics, including beheadings. An attack in March 2021 led to significant casualties and kidnappings in the town of Palma, where an investigative journalist, Alex Perry, reported on the death toll and subsequent violence at the gates of Total’s compound. Reports indicate that civilians seeking refuge at the facility were accused of associating with the insurgents and were subsequently detained in shipping containers; the precise number of deceased individuals remains uncertain, though estimates suggest at least 97 victims.
The situation has influenced international responses, notably from the British government, which initially provided financial guarantees to support foreign investment in what was termed a pivotal economic opportunity for Mozambique. However, following the outbreak of violence, British support was suspended, and there are calls for a complete withdrawal from financing the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project due to the severity of the allegations against TotalEnergies. Critics emphasize the implications of these allegations for future investment and development in the region, while supporters view the project as a potential boon for local economic growth.
TotalEnergies is under scrutiny for its recent decision to lift a previous force majeure status on the gas project, despite ongoing security concerns.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gw119ynlxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss