French Prosecutors Open Investigation into TotalEnergies over Mozambique Attack
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into TotalEnergies, a French energy firm, over potential manslaughter and a failure to assist people in danger during an extremist attack in Mozambique, the company has said. The investigation was launched in response to a complaint filed by survivors and relatives of victims in France, who alleged that the company failed to ensure the safety of subcontractors.
Background to the Attack
In March 2021, Islamist insurgents attacked the port city of Palma in Mozambique, killing many civilians in areas close to Mozambican gas infrastructure projects, which are owned in part by TotalEnergies. The attack was a devastating blow to the region, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread destruction.
Complaint Filed in France
In late 2023, survivors and relatives of the victims filed a complaint in France, alleging that TotalEnergies had failed to ensure the safety of subcontractors working on the Mozambique LNG project. This led to the launch of a preliminary inquiry, which has now been upgraded to a full-fledged judicial investigation.
Company’s Response
TotalEnergies has categorically rejected these accusations, stating in an emailed statement that "teams from the Mozambique LNG project provided emergency assistance and evacuated more than 2,500 people" during the attack. The company has also denied any wrongdoing, saying it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Investigation Details
The judicial investigation will determine whether or not there are grounds to send TotalEnergies to court. The investigation is being overseen by prosecutors at Nanterre, a court located just outside Paris. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Impact on the Mozambique LNG Project
The board of the US Export-Import Bank has approved a nearly US$5 billion loan for Mozambique LNG, clearing a key hurdle to restarting the project that was halted by the Islamist attacks. The project had been stalled since the attack, and the loan approval is seen as a major step towards its revival.
Conclusion
The investigation into TotalEnergies is a significant development, as it highlights the company’s role in the Mozambique attack and its potential responsibilities to ensure the safety of those affected. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for the company and its reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the nature of the investigation?
The investigation is into potential manslaughter and a failure to assist people in danger during the extremist attack in Mozambique. - Who filed the complaint?
Survivors and relatives of the victims filed the complaint in France in late 2023. - What is TotalEnergies’ response to the allegations?
The company has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it provided emergency assistance and evacuated more than 2,500 people during the attack. - What is the status of the Mozambique LNG project?
The project is on hold, but the US Export-Import Bank has approved a nearly US$5 billion loan to restart the project.