The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), a Europe-based human rights organization, has accused French energy giant TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) of being indirectly complicit in alleged war crimes, torture, and forced disappearances carried out by Mozambican government troops. The group has filed a criminal complaint with France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor.
The allegations stem from the period after TotalEnergies evacuated its staff from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project site in northern Mozambique and handed the territory over to the state. ECCHR says Mozambican soldiers whose salaries were paid under a security agreement linked to the project committed abuses in the area between July and September 2021.
BASIS OF THE ALLEGATIONS
In its complaint, ECCHR argues that TotalEnergies bears responsibility for abuses committed by security forces on the company’s concession. It stated:
“When companies and their executives operate in conflict zones, they are not neutral actors; if they contribute to the commission of crimes, they can be held accountable.”
France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office (PNAT), which handles both domestic and international crimes, confirmed that it has received the complaint and is currently assessing it.
TOTALENERGIES RESPONDS
A TotalEnergies spokesperson, speaking to Reuters, referred to comments made earlier by CEO Patrick Pouyanne. In his March statement, Pouyanne said:
“Our internal review found no evidence to substantiate these allegations. Nevertheless, we have asked the Mozambique Human Rights Commission to conduct its own investigation.”
The company is also under a separate French judicial inquiry over claims that it failed to protect civilians during the 2021 attacks that prompted the project’s shutdown. So far, no formal charges have been filed, and the firm maintains it has committed no wrongdoing.
PROJECT TO RESUME
TotalEnergies plans to restart its nearly $20-billion Mozambique LNG project, which was suspended four years ago following a major attack by Islamist militants. The company says operations will resume under reinforced security measures, with staff allowed to access the site only by air or sea.
The project is expected to become operational in 2029.