French Manslaughter Probe Initiated Against TotalEnergies Following Mozambique Attack
French prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies over a 2021 jihadist attack in Mozambique, initiated by victims’ relatives alleging negligence. Survivors express relief at the investigation, seeking accountability and answers regarding safety measures for subcontractors. TotalEnergies denies wrongdoing while emphasizing cooperation with authorities. The case raises significant concerns about corporate responsibility in conflict zones.
On Saturday, French prosecutors announced the commencement of a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies following a 2021 attack by jihadists in Mozambique. The legal action was initiated in October 2023 by survivors and relatives of the victims who accused the company of neglecting the safety of its subcontractors. They expressed relief at the move, fearing TotalEnergies’s significant influence could hinder accountability.
Nicholas Alexander, a survivor from South Africa, stated that the complainants were pleased the investigation had progressed, reflecting their desire for a thorough judicial inquiry to receive clear answers. The investigation’s focus is on involuntary manslaughter and failing to assist individuals in peril, as declared by the prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, near Paris.
In March 2021, militants linked to Islamic State perpetrated an attack in Palma, Cabo Delgado province, resulting in numerous fatalities and forcing thousands into nearby forests. The violence persisted for several days, with reports of beheadings among the victims. Following the attack, TotalEnergies suspended its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project but aspires to revive it.
TotalEnergies announced its full cooperation with the investigation while vehemently denying any allegations of negligence. The plaintiffs, comprising seven British and South African individuals, claim that the company’s failure to secure subcontractor safety contributed to the tragedy. Mozambique’s government reported approximately 30 casualties, but a journalist’s investigation estimated that 1,402 people were either dead or missing, including 55 Total contractors.
Additionally, accusations emerged against TotalEnergies for not providing sufficient fuel to a South African security company coordinating helicopter rescues during the attack. The lack of fuel ultimately left individuals stranded inside a besieged hotel. Legal representatives for the complainants articulated that the probe’s initiation represents a significant advancement for victims of the Palma massacre, emphasizing the need for accountability over economic interests.
Janik Armstrong, a Canadian woman whose husband was killed, recounted her ordeal during the attack, highlighting the desperate wait for rescue that never materialized. She detailed the moment they attempted to flee but were met with gunfire, resulting in her husband’s death. TotalEnergies contended that all employees and subcontractors had been evacuated, mainly via boat, asserting support of fuel for rescue efforts.
This attack precipitated the involvement of military forces from Rwanda and other African nations, which have aided Mozambique in reclaiming significant control over Cabo Delgado. Despite the challenges, TotalEnergies continues to seek the restart of the delayed gas project, recently receiving a $4.7 billion loan approval from the US Export-Import Bank, where the company holds a 26.5 percent stake in the initiative aimed at exporting gas primarily to Asia.
In summary, French prosecutors have initiated a manslaughter investigation into TotalEnergies due to alleged negligence surrounding a violent jihadist attack in Mozambique in 2021. Survivors and victims’ families demand accountability and seek answers regarding the company’s safety measures for subcontractors. Despite facing serious accusations, TotalEnergies maintains its position of cooperation with the investigation while asserting its previously stated claims of having acted appropriately during the crisis. This case underscores critical issues surrounding corporate responsibility in high-risk environments, especially concerning human rights and safety protocols.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
