A criminal complaint filed against TotalEnergies accuses the company of complicity in war crimes, linked to its natural gas project in Mozambique. The complaint, citing a Politico report, alleges the energy giant financially supported a Mozambican army unit that detained, tortured, and killed civilians in shipping containers during 2021. This legal action coincides with the company's preparations to restart the project, which was suspended following insurgent attacks.
TotalEnergies has stated that its reputation is under attack due to the development of one of the world's largest gas fields. The company previously requested that Mozambican authorities open an investigation into the allegations. An official inquiry began in March, and the company also sought a separate investigation from the Mozambican Human Rights Commission. A former French ambassador hired by TotalEnergies had earlier warned against making payments to the security forces protecting the project site.
TotalEnergies has stated that its reputation is under attack due to the development of one of the world's largest gas fields. The company previously requested that Mozambican authorities open an investigation into the allegations. An official inquiry began in March, and the company also sought a separate investigation from the Mozambican Human Rights Commission. A former French ambassador hired by TotalEnergies had earlier warned against making payments to the security forces protecting the project site.
