TotalEnergies Resumes $20 Billion Gas Project in Mozambique Amid Controversy

French energy giant TotalEnergies has officially resumed its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in northern Mozambique, which had been suspended since 2021 due to a violent insurgency in the region. The announcement was made by CEO Patrick Pouyanné during a ceremony attended by Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo in Afungi, located in the Cabo Delgado province. The project, touted as one of Africa's largest energy investments, is expected to generate significant economic growth for Mozambique, a nation of approximately 34 million people.

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Puyanné stated that the company anticipates the first gas deliveries by 2029 and emphasized the project’s potential to create jobs and foster long-term peace in the region. Over 4,000 workers will be employed, with 80% being Mozambican nationals, including youth receiving vocational training. Chapo expressed optimism that the project would help shift perceptions of Cabo Delgado, which has been primarily associated with terrorism, and would contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

French energy giant TotalEnergies resumes Mozambique $20 billion project as insurgency slows

The Mozambique LNG project was initially halted following a jihadist attack in March 2021 that resulted in approximately 800 fatalities and displaced over 1 million people. The insurgency has claimed more than 6,200 lives since its onset in 2017, according to the NGO Acled. In response to the violence, Mozambique enlisted troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Rwanda to stabilize the area. While SADC forces withdrew in 2024, Rwandan troops remain deployed, and sporadic clashes continue.

French energy giant TotalEnergies resumes Mozambique $20 billion project as insurgency slows

Despite the economic promises, TotalEnergies faces scrutiny regarding its operations in conflict zones. A 2024 investigation by POLITICO revealed allegations of war crimes committed by Mozambican soldiers in the vicinity of the project, including severe abuses against local populations. TotalEnergies has denied these allegations, asserting that its investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing. However, the claims have raised concerns among human rights advocates, with Clara Gonzales from the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights stating that companies operating in conflict zones may be complicit in human rights violations.

French energy giant relaunches $20B massacre-linked gas project in Mozambique

Environmental groups have also criticized the project, labeling it a "climate bomb" that may not significantly benefit the impoverished Mozambican population, where over 80% live below the poverty line.

French energy giant TotalEnergies resumes Mozambique $20 billion project as insurgency slows

In his remarks, President Chapo described the project’s restart as a “decisive step” for Mozambique’s resource development and economic growth. TotalEnergies plans to ramp up activities significantly in the coming months, with construction resuming both onshore and offshore. The project is currently about 40% complete, and the company holds a 26.5% stake in the Mozambique LNG consortium.

Mozambique relaunches TotalEnergies gas project after five-year pause

As operations resume, the focus will be on balancing economic development with the pressing need for security and human rights considerations in the region.

French energy giant TotalEnergies resumes Mozambique $20 billion project as insurgency slows