Total risks reputation with Mozambique security deal to protect energy investments (2024)

French oil giant Total’s decision to support Mozambique's counterterrorism operations to secure its energy facilities from direct attacks risks its reputation as it means direct involvement in the government’s already discredited and inadequate fight.

Most recently on Aug. 24, the Total E&P Mozambique Area 1, operator of a $20 billion liquified natural gas (LNG) project, said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Mozambique regarding the security of the project activities in the country's insurgency-engulfed northernmost province of Cabo Delgado.

The new pact, of which the details remain unknown, includes Total providing logistical support to a joint task force that was established to ensure the security of the Mozambique LNG project's activities in the Afungi Peninsula near the northern town of Palma.

Mozambique Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Ernesto Max Elias Tonela said about the MoU that they are proud to continue working with the Mozambique LNG project to ensure the country benefits from its presence.

“This memorandum of understanding bolsters security measures and endeavors to create a safe operating environment for partners like Total that enables their ongoing investment in Mozambican industry, for small- and medium-sized enterprise and our communities,” he said, highlighting both the government’s and the French company’s goal of protecting their energy investments from the militant insurgencies that have accelerated since 2018.

In early August this year, the so-called Central African Province (ISCAP) of the Daesh terrorist group seized control of the Cabo Delgado port town of Mocimboa da Praia following an offensive on the area. The militia group continues to control areas within and near the northern port town, significantly impacting the security of both the port and Total’s planned LNG facility located 40 kilometers (around 25 miles) to the north. The militia's victory in Mocimboa adds to the obstacles facing the multibillion-dollar international investments to exploit the massive deposits of LNG in northern Mozambique. It has also further threatened the safety of civilians, which has steadily deteriorated since the insurgency began in 2017.

In a report issued in 2020, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) documented that at least 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes throughout Cabo Delgado due to the escalation of violence by armed groups.

The rebels started as a ragtag group near Mocimboa in 2017 and since then have grown in strength to carry out a campaign of violence in villages in coastal districts of Cabo Delgado, killing more than 1,500 people, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

Before claiming control of the port, the insurgents repeatedly attacked – and took – the city center of Mocimboa da Praia, first in March, then in June and now in August.

Harmed reputation

Meanwhile, a report published by global intelligence company Stratfor on Aug. 25 said the proposed security agreement between the African country and Total will probably reduce threats to Total's project in Palma and on the Afungi Peninsula rather than erode militants' capabilities across the wider region, leaving the rest of Cabo Delgado vulnerable to insurgent attacks.

“So far, insurgents have not directly targeted Total's LNG development, and the Mozambican government has already reinforced its military presence around Palma following the recent surge of attacks near Mocimboa da Praia. But without significantly disrupting their activities across the broader Cabo Delgado region, militants' capabilities will likely continue to grow and could eventually present an even greater threat to Total and other oil and gas companies' onshore operations,” the report noted.

It said that Total’s association with Mozambican security forces who have been accused of violence against civilians including illegal detainments could harm the French oil major’s “international standing among partners and investors, while also affect its standing with local populations who already have little trust in their country's military.”

The report, highlighting that the oil giant’s support could be in many different forms from financial support to government budgets and the hiring of private military corporations, to gifting essential equipment such as vehicles and providing use of Total's existing transport infrastructure, said, “Depending on how directly Total involves its assets in security operations, additional risks for energy operators in the region could arise as well, as their assets could also start to be perceived as part of the government security capacity.”

Mercenaries involved

The report also highlighted the Mozambican government’s struggling to fight the insurgency in the area with limited military resources and its dependency on private security providers, including the Russian Wagner Group, which has reportedly failed and withdrawn from the country.

The Wagner Group, which has been involved in conflicts in many countries such as Ukraine, Libya, Syria and Venezuela, was the Mozambique government’s desperate solution in September 2019, winning a competition against its rival group, American businessman Erik Prince’s Frontier Services Group.

According to media and intelligence reports, Prince – founder of the private security group Blackwater, and a Trump administration adviser – met earlier this year with a top official of the Wagner Group and offered his mercenary forces to support the firm’s operations in Libya and Mozambique, which was later denied by his lawyer.

Wagner officials also said they are not willing to work with Prince, three people familiar with their decision told The Intercept.

The Stratfor report added the Russian state-affiliated group reportedly withdrew from Mozambique after only months following losses on the battlefield and problematic interactions with government forces.

Total risks reputation with Mozambique security deal to protect energy investments (2024)

FAQs

What are the security threats in Mozambique? ›

Terrorism in Mozambique

The main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has previously carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.

What are the challenges of Mozambique energy? ›

Total electrification (100% electrification rate) and access to electricity for all in Mozambique, is deeply challenged by the accelerated population growth which is expected to reach approximately 48.3 million inhabitants in 2042, however electrification is expected to reached just 77.5%.

What is the biggest problem in Mozambique? ›

Cabo Delgado conflict.

Since 2017, Mozambique's gas-rich Cabo Delgado province has faced a violent insurgency, leading to loss of lives and livelihoods, widespread displacement, and a humanitarian crisis.

Is Mozambique a high risk country? ›

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.

What is the source of energy in Mozambique? ›

Available energy sources include coal, hydroelectricity, natural gas, solar energy and wind power.

What is the energy policy of Mozambique? ›

Mozambique's energy strategy is based on four pillars, Minister Zacarias said: expanding clean energy capacity through hydroelectric projects and solar and wind power plants to offset the share of fossil fuels in the energy matrix; capitalising on green industrialisation through integrated projects around industrial ...

What does Mozambique struggle with? ›

Situated along the Indian Ocean, Mozambique confronts other challenges. Extreme climate and weather conditions periodically affect life — as in the case of the 2000 and 2001 floods, which swept away health centers and affected drinking water, food, and shelter in parts of the country.

What threat level is Mozambique? ›

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Mozambique due to violent crime and terrorism (level 2 of 4).

What causes the most deaths in Mozambique? ›

HIV and sexually transmitted infections were the main cause of death in Mozambique as of 2019.

What is the crisis in Mozambique? ›

Since 2017, a wave of violence has interrupted education, destroyed crops and public infrastructure, impacted livelihoods and forced people to flee their homes in northern Mozambique. The north of the country has been plagued by an armed insurgency.

Top Articles
What Happened to Blockbuster? How Streaming Killed the Video Store
888 Number Affirmations - Best of Affirmations
Swimgs Yuzzle Wuzzle Yups Wits Sadie Plant Tune 3 Tabs Winnie The Pooh Halloween Bob The Builder Christmas Autumns Cow Dog Pig Tim Cook’s Birthday Buff Work It Out Wombats Pineview Playtime Chronicles Day Of The Dead The Alpha Baa Baa Twinkle
Patreon, reimagined — a better future for creators and fans
Washu Parking
Metallica - Blackened Lyrics Meaning
Satyaprem Ki Katha review: Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani shine in this pure love story on a sensitive subject
Loves Employee Pay Stub
Algebra Calculator Mathway
30 Insanely Useful Websites You Probably Don't Know About
Kobold Beast Tribe Guide and Rewards
Hawkeye 2021 123Movies
Culver's Flavor Of The Day Monroe
Zoebaby222
Vichatter Gifs
Shariraye Update
Taylor Swift Seating Chart Nashville
Help with Choosing Parts
Gwdonate Org
What Happened To Anna Citron Lansky
Second Chance Maryland Lottery
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Showtimes Near Marcus Bay Park Cinema
Csi Tv Series Wiki
/Www.usps.com/International/Passports.htm
Epguides Strange New Worlds
Conan Exiles Sorcery Guide – How To Learn, Cast & Unlock Spells
Best Nail Salons Open Near Me
Purdue 247 Football
Ac-15 Gungeon
Brbl Barber Shop
Obituaries, 2001 | El Paso County, TXGenWeb
Reserve A Room Ucla
Yu-Gi-Oh Card Database
031515 828
Leland Nc Craigslist
Luciipurrrr_
Poster & 1600 Autocollants créatifs | Activité facile et ludique | Poppik Stickers
Gwu Apps
Reborn Rich Ep 12 Eng Sub
KM to M (Kilometer to Meter) Converter, 1 km is 1000 m
Labyrinth enchantment | PoE Wiki
Uc Santa Cruz Events
Japanese Big Natural Boobs
US-amerikanisches Fernsehen 2023 in Deutschland schauen
Strange World Showtimes Near Century Stadium 25 And Xd
Ehc Workspace Login
Holzer Athena Portal
Backpage New York | massage in New York, New York
Pronósticos Gulfstream Park Nicoletti
Treatise On Jewelcrafting
Lake County Fl Trash Pickup Schedule
Guidance | GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5904

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.