(WO) – TotalEnergies has issued a detailed response to a complaint filed this month with France’s National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (Pnat), rejecting accusations that the company or its Mozambique LNG project were complicit in alleged war crimes and abuses committed by Mozambican security forces in 2021.
Mozambique rebel fighters
The complaint—filed against persons unknown and the company—follows a September 2024 Politico article asserting that Mozambican soldiers carried out abuses near the Mozambique LNG site between June and September 2021. TotalEnergies said Wednesday it has not been formally served with the filing and “firmly rejects” the claims.
The company emphasized that all Mozambique LNG personnel had been evacuated from the Afungi site in early April 2021 following the deadly Islamic State–affiliated Al-Shabab attack on Palma in March 2021. After the evacuation, Mozambique’s military assumed control of the area, including the site, airport and port.
TotalEnergies said internal reviews and stakeholder checks found no information indicating the company was aware of the alleged acts at the time. The company added that it has repeatedly asked Politico to share evidence supporting its reporting, which it says has not been provided. TotalEnergies has published all correspondence with the publication on a dedicated website.
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The company also outlined steps taken to address the allegations. In November 2024, Mozambique LNG formally requested that Mozambican authorities open an official investigation; the Attorney General confirmed in March 2025 that a criminal inquiry was underway. TotalEnergies additionally asked Mozambique’s National Human Rights Commission to conduct an independent review and has pledged to publish its findings.
The company noted that security for the site, as in other LNG projects worldwide, was provided by national security forces under a now-expired Memorandum of Understanding that included provisions for human rights training, grievance reporting and removal procedures in the event of misconduct. TotalEnergies said grievances logged through these channels did not substantiate the allegations referenced by Politico or the new complaint.
TotalEnergies is a 26.5% partner in the Mozambique LNG project, which has remained on hold since 2021 due to regional security concerns. The company said it remains committed to the long-term development of Cabo Delgado and highlighted earlier humanitarian assessments that led to expanded community support programs.
