France Initiates Manslaughter Investigation Against TotalEnergies Over Mozambique Attack
French prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies following a 2021 jihadist attack in Mozambique. Survivors and relatives accuse the company of failing to protect subcontractors. The attack resulted in significant fatalities, with differing accounts of the death toll. TotalEnergies is gearing up to restart its LNG project, despite ongoing calls for accountability and scrutiny from NGOs.
French prosecutors have initiated a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies in connection to a 2021 jihadist attack in Mozambique. This decision follows legal actions taken by victims’ relatives and survivors, who accuse the company of neglecting safety protocols for its subcontractors. Survivors expressed relief that the investigation is progressing, particularly given their prior concerns about the company’s influence.
The investigation focuses on involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist during an emergency, as stated by the prosecutor’s office in Nanterre. In March 2021, the Islamic State-affiliated militants attacked the town of Palma, resulting in numerous fatalities and displacing many residents. Though TotalEnergies suspended its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project post-attack, they are planning to resume operations.
Seven complainants, comprising three survivors and four victims’ relatives, allege TotalEnergies, previously known as Total, failed to protect subcontractors from the assault. While official sources reported around 30 deaths, independent investigations suggested the number could reach 1,402, including 55 contractors associated with Total. The assailants have been active in the area since 2017 and were involved in this devastating assault.
Additionally, TotalEnergies is accused of withholding fuel from a South African security firm during the attack, preventing helicopter rescues for those trapped in a besieged hotel. Legal representatives for the complainants consider this investigation a vital step for the victims of the Palma massacre, emphasizing an urgent need for accountability.
Survivors like Janik Armstrong have voiced their distress over the attack, recalling moments of despair as they awaited rescue that never arrived. They highlighted feelings of abandonment in the face of danger. TotalEnergies maintains it successfully evacuated staff and provided fuel for rescue efforts. This attack has led to international military assistance to regain control in the Cabo Delgado region.
TotalEnergies is actively pursuing the resumption of its delayed gas project, receiving significant financing from the US Export-Import Bank. Amidst this, several NGOs are lobbying against the project’s continuation, advocating for accountability in the wake of human rights abuses associated with it.
The reopening of the manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies marks a significant development for the victims of the deadly 2021 Mozambique attack, highlighting concerns regarding corporate responsibility in ensuring safety for subcontractors. The case encapsulates broader issues of accountability amidst human rights concerns in volatile regions, as victims and their representatives seek clarity and justice following the attack that claimed countless lives. Moving forward, the responses from TotalEnergies and the ongoing legal proceedings will impact the future of the Mozambique LNG project and potential further investigations into corporate negligence.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
