A prominent European human rights organisation has filed a criminal complaint in France accusing TotalEnergies of aiding and abetting war crimes and other serious abuses allegedly committed by Mozambican soldiers near the company’s massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The filing places fresh scrutiny on the French energy giant just as it prepares to resume operations in the conflict-stricken Cabo Delgado region.
The Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) submitted the complaint on Tuesday to France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor, known as PNAT. The group claims that Mozambican security forces carried out torture, enforced disappearances, and other violations between July and September 2021 on land previously controlled by TotalEnergies before it evacuated staff due to escalating insurgent attacks.
Allegations Linked to Security Arrangements
According to the complaint, TotalEnergies had financed salaries for Mozambican soldiers assigned to protect the LNG site as part of a broader security agreement with the government. ECCHR argues that by handing over the project area to state forces while continuing to fund security operations, the French firm may have enabled abuses that occurred after its departure.
TotalEnergies had pulled out its personnel in April 2021 following a deadly assault by Islamist militants in Palma, which left dozens dead and forced the suspension of the $20 billion LNG development. The company says its staff did not return to the site until November 2021—after the period in which the alleged mistreatment took place—adding that it had no knowledge of abuses at the time.
The company did not respond to new requests for comment. In previous statements, TotalEnergies has stressed that it condemns human rights violations and rejects any implication that it tolerated or supported such acts.
Legal and Political Ramifications
French prosecutors have not yet commented on the newly filed case. PNAT, which routinely handles cases involving international crimes, will now determine whether to open a full investigation.
The Mozambican government has also launched its own inquiry into the allegations amid growing pressure from civil society and international observers to ensure accountability for abuses linked to the years-long insurgency in Cabo Delgado. The region has seen thousands killed and over one million people displaced since the conflict began in 2017.
ECCHR said corporations operating in volatile environments must exercise strict oversight:
“Companies and their executives are not neutral actors when they operate in conflict zones. If they enable or fuel crimes, they may be complicit and must be held accountable,” the organisation said.
Previous Investigations into TotalEnergies’ Conduct
The French oil major is already the subject of another ongoing investigation in France. Prosecutors are examining whether the company failed to assist civilians during the 2021 militant attack around Palma, including during the emergency evacuation of project workers and contractors. TotalEnergies denies wrongdoing, and no charges have been brought so far.
LNG Project Plans Move Forward Despite Conflict
Despite lingering insecurity, TotalEnergies and its partners recently lifted the force majeure declaration that had halted the LNG project for four years. The company now plans a gradual restart using a “containment mode” approach—workers will travel to the site exclusively by sea or air to minimize exposure to ambushes and roadside attacks.
If operations remain on schedule, the LNG facility is expected to begin production in 2029, a milestone that could significantly reshape Mozambique’s economy. The project is one of the largest energy investments in Africa and has been promoted by the Mozambican government as a key driver of future growth.
However, analysts warn that ongoing legal and security concerns may complicate efforts to restore confidence among investors and local communities.
Source:Africa Publicity
