TotalEnergies Accused of War Crimes Complicity in Mozambique

A European rights group has accused TotalEnergies of complicity in war crimes in Mozambique, filing a criminal complaint in France. The oil giant allegedly funded soldiers involved in torture, sparking investigations as it prepares to restart its LNG project. TotalEnergies denies any wrongdoing.

A European human rights nonprofit has accused TotalEnergies of complicity in war crimes in Mozambique, filing a criminal complaint with French prosecutors. The oil giant and its project partners recently lifted force majeure on a $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, stalled since a deadly militant attack.

The complaint alleges that Mozambican soldiers tortured individuals on the site from July to September 2021, after TotalEnergies evacuated staff and transferred the land to the government. Total is alleged to have funded soldiers' salaries under a security arrangement. TotalEnergies' CEO stated an internal review found no evidence supporting these claims, awaiting further investigation.

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights insists companies in conflict zones could be complicit in crimes. The French anti-terrorism prosecutor is handling the case, while TotalEnergies remains under investigation for not assisting during the 2021 attack. The company plans to restart operations by 2029, under heightened security measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)