TotalEnergies is facing a French manslaughter investigation over an attack in Mozambique

TotalEnergies said that French prosecutors opened an investigation against it over a potential manslaughter, and for failing to help people in danger in a Mozambique jihadist attack. The energy company reiterated its denial of any wrongdoing.

In March 2021, islamist insurgents attacked Palma, a port city in Spain, and killed many civilians near TotalEnergies-owned gas infrastructure projects in Mozambique. In late 2023, survivors and families of victims lodged a complaint with the French authorities alleging that the company failed to guarantee the safety of its subcontractors. This led to prosecutors launching a preliminary investigation.

TotalEnergies was notified of the opening of an investigation by the Mozambique courts into the terrorist attacks that occurred in March 2021, the company stated on Saturday via email.

The Company rejects categorically these allegations.

TotalEnergies reiterated comments made when the complaint was filed, saying that teams from the Mozambique LNG Project provided emergency assistance and evacuated over 2,500 people.

TotalEnergies will be sent to court if there is sufficient evidence to support it.

French media reported earlier that the investigation was being handled by prosecutors in Nanterre, just outside Paris. The Nanterre prosecutor did not respond immediately to a comment request. The U.S. Export-Import Bank board has approved a loan of nearly $5 billion for Mozambique LNG. This is a major step towards restarting the project, which was halted due to the islamist attacks.

(source: Reuters)