Rights group accuses TotalEnergies of war crime complicity in Mozambique • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Human Rights Lawsuit: Legal action brought against a corporation for alleged human rights abuses.
• Joint Task Force (JTF): A military unit formed by multiple entities, in this case, Mozambique's armed forces.
• Material Support: Providing resources, equipment, or other forms of assistance.
• Detention, Torture, and Killing: Severe human rights violations.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The ethical and societal obligations of businesses.
• Due Diligence: The reasonable steps a company must take to avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts.
• Judicial Process: The legal proceedings through which a case is resolved.

Lawsuit Against TotalEnergies in France

French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies is facing a lawsuit in France concerning allegations of its involvement in human rights abuses at a gas project site in Mozambique. The European Center for Human and Constitutional Rights (ECCHR) is the plaintiff, accusing TotalEnergies of directly financing and materially supporting a joint task force (JTF) composed of Mozambican armed forces.

Allegations of Abuses

The ECCHR alleges that between July and September 2021, this JTF detained, tortured, and killed dozens of civilians at a TotalEnergies gas project site in the Cabo Delgado province. These alleged abuses occurred at a site where TotalEnergies was leading a significant gas project.

Context of the Project and Security

The gas project in Cabo Delgado was suspended in 2021 following a deadly jihadist attack on a nearby town. During the period of alleged abuses, the site was reportedly guarded by the Mozambique armed forces, operating as the JTF. This JTF was established in 2020 under an agreement between TotalEnergies' local subsidiary and the Mozambican government.

Basis of the Lawsuit

This lawsuit follows reports published by Politico in September 2024, which detailed alleged massacres perpetrated at the site by the JTF. Journalists investigating the incident found that after the project's suspension, soldiers working at the site intercepted residents. Approximately 200 men were allegedly locked in metal containers, which were used to secure the entrance to the compound.

TotalEnergies' Response

TotalEnergies has denied the allegations. A company spokesperson stated, "I can confirm that Total Energies has no involvement with the Mozambique army. Allegations like these require proof. None has been provided." The company emphasized that in the current social media landscape, slander can spread rapidly and expressed a desire to await the courts' decision.

Company's Actions and Confidence in Judiciary

Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, indicated that the company has requested the Mozambique National Human Rights Commission to conduct an investigation. He also conveyed confidence in the judiciary's ability to handle the case appropriately.

Project Resumption and Timeline

The legal complaint comes at a time when TotalEnergies announced last month its readiness to resume the multi-billion dollar gas project. The company is aiming for production to commence in 2029.

Logical Connections and Synthesis

The lawsuit directly links TotalEnergies' operations and security arrangements in Mozambique to alleged severe human rights violations. The ECCHR's argument hinges on the company's alleged financial and material support for the JTF, which was responsible for site security. The timing of the lawsuit, following investigative journalism and preceding the potential resumption of the project, highlights the scrutiny TotalEnergies faces regarding its human rights obligations and due diligence in conflict-affected regions. The company's defense rests on a denial of involvement and a call for proof, while also initiating its own investigation and expressing faith in the legal system. The case underscores the increasing legal and public pressure on multinational corporations to ensure their operations do not contribute to human rights abuses, even when carried out by state security forces.