TotalEnergies Accused of Manslaughter in Mozambique Attack

Introduction

TotalEnergies, one of the world’s largest energy companies, has been
accused of manslaughter by survivors of a 2021 terrorist attack in
Mozambique. The attack, carried out by Islamist rebels, resulted in the
deaths of dozens of people and forced the company to halt Africa’s
largest natural gas development. A criminal complaint filed with French
prosecutors alleges that Total failed to ensure the safety of
subcontractors in Mozambique’s gas-rich Cabo Delgado province, where the
attack took place. This article will delve deeper into the details of the
attack, the allegations against Total, and the potential consequences for
the company.

The Mozambique Attack

The terrorist attack in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province occurred in
March 2021 and targeted a city called Palma. The attack took place near
Total’s $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, undermining the
company’s ambitions in the region. While the official death toll stands at
dozens, there are reports that suggest the actual number of casualties
could be much higher. An investigation team commissioned by journalist
Alex Perry estimated that around 1,200 civilians may have died in the
assault, based on witness accounts.

This attack was a turning point in Mozambique’s al-Shabaab group insurgency
as it marked the first killing of foreign contractors since attacks began
in 2017. The severity of the attack led President Filipe Nyusi’s government
to invite troops from Rwanda and a regional force to restore security in
the region. These forces were successful in pushing the insurgents back and
restoring some level of stability.

The Allegations Against TotalEnergies

According to the criminal complaint filed with French prosecutors, Total
failed to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of
subcontractors in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province. The complainants,
including survivors of the attack and relatives of the victims, allege
that the company did not adequately warn subcontractors of the threat, had
an insufficient safety plan for the evacuation of the LNG project, and
refused to provide fuel for a private helicopter rescue operation. The
prosecution office in Nanterre, where Total is based, will now decide
whether to reject the complaint or open a preliminary investigation.

Failure to Ensure Safety of Subcontractors

The primary allegation against Total is the failure to ensure the safety of
subcontractors in Mozambique. The complainants argue that the company
should have taken additional measures to protect those working on the LNG
project. They claim that Total failed to adequately warn subcontractors of
the dangers posed by the Islamist rebels in the region.

Additionally, the complaint states that Total did not have an adequate
safety plan in place for the evacuation of the LNG project in the event of
an attack. This lack of preparedness put the lives of subcontractors at
risk and contributed to the high death toll resulting from the assault.

Refusal to Provide Assistance

The complainants also accuse Total of “failure to assist a person in
danger.” They claim that when a private South African security contractor
attempted a helicopter rescue after the attack, Total refused to provide
fuel for the operation. This refusal to provide assistance further
compromised the safety of those affected by the attack.

The Potential Consequences for TotalEnergies

The outcome of the criminal complaint against Total remains uncertain.
The prosecutor’s office in Nanterre can either reject the complaint or
open a preliminary investigation. If the investigation proceeds, it could
take years to progress through the French court system. Total could face
significant legal and reputational consequences if found guilty of
manslaughter and failure to assist a person in danger.

The case against Total also highlights the challenges faced by companies
operating in regions with high security risks. It raises questions about
the responsibility of multinational corporations to protect their
subcontractors and ensure the safety of their operations in such
environments.

Conclusion

The criminal complaint against TotalEnergies for manslaughter and failure
to ensure the safety of subcontractors in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado
province brings attention to the risks faced by companies operating in
volatile regions. The attack on Palma, which resulted in the deaths of
dozens of people and forced Total to halt its LNG project, has had
significant implications for the company’s operations and reputation.
While the outcome of the complaint remains uncertain, it underscores the
importance of companies taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of
their employees and subcontractors in high-risk environments.

Summary

TotalEnergies, a major energy company, has been accused of manslaughter by
survivors of a terrorist attack in Mozambique. The attack, carried out by
Islamist rebels, resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and forced
Total to halt its natural gas development in the country. The criminal
complaint filed against Total alleges that the company failed to ensure
the safety of subcontractors in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province. The
complaint also accuses Total of “failure to assist a person in danger.”
The outcome of the complaint remains uncertain, but it raises important
questions about the responsibility of multinational corporations in
high-risk environments.

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