France Investigates TotalEnergies for Manslaughter Over Mozambique Attack

French prosecutors initiated a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies for its alleged negligence during a 2021 jihadist attack in Mozambique. Survivors and victims’ relatives claim the company failed to protect subcontractors, highlighting concerns over prioritizing economic interests over human safety. The inquiry follows a devastating assault linked to the Islamic State that left thousands dead or missing.

On October 14, 2023, French prosecutors announced the initiation of a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies, stemming from a violent jihadist attack in Mozambique that occurred in March 2021. The inquiry was prompted after survivors and victims’ relatives accused the energy company of neglecting their duty to protect subcontractors during the assault near a gas field in northern Mozambique.

Nicholas Alexander, a survivor of the attack, expressed relief that legal action was being pursued against TotalEnergies, which they had worried was too powerful to face scrutiny. He indicated that the complainants sought a thorough judicial inquiry and clear answers regarding the incident.

The prosecutor’s office in Nanterre confirmed that the investigation was launched into allegations of involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist individuals in peril. The attack in Palma, linked to the Islamic State, resulted in numerous fatalities, with the Mozambican government reporting approximately 30 deaths, while an independent journalist estimated over 1,400 missing or dead, including 55 contractors associated with TotalEnergies.

TotalEnergies halted its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project after the attack but is currently seeking to resume operations. The company stated its commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation, while having previously rejected the accusations laid against it.

The plaintiffs, consisting of three survivors and four relatives of victims, assert that TotalEnergies failed in its responsibility to ensure subcontractor safety leading up to the deadly attack. The legal actions taken against the company highlight serious concerns about the prioritization of economic interests over human rights and safety.

Following the attack, a Canadian survivor recounted the harrowing experience of holding out for rescue along with others, only to feel abandoned when help did not arrive, ultimately leading to tragedy. TotalEnergies maintains that they evacuated their personnel and assisted with rescue efforts during the crisis.

In response to the situation, international forces have been deployed to assist Mozambique in regaining control over affected regions. Meanwhile, financial developments, such as a recently approved loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, aim to support TotalEnergies with its delayed projects, despite ongoing human rights concerns raised by various NGOs.

In conclusion, French prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation into TotalEnergies following the 2021 jihadist attack in Mozambique. Survivors and victim families have raised serious allegations of the company’s negligence in ensuring the safety of its subcontractors. The case highlights critical issues surrounding corporate accountability and the balance of economic interests against human rights and safety, with implications for the future of the LNG project in Mozambique. As the inquiry progresses, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims of the tragic attack.

Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com