French prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies following a jihadist attack in Mozambique in March 2021, which resulted in numerous fatalities. Legal actions have been initiated by survivors and victims’ relatives, accusing the company of failing to protect its subcontractors. Amidst public and legal scrutiny, TotalEnergies aims to restart its halted LNG project, facing significant criticism over its accountability and safety measures during the incident.
On Saturday, French prosecutors announced the initiation of a manslaughter investigation against TotalEnergies, prompted by a brutal jihadist attack in Mozambique in 2021. Survivors and victims’ relatives have filed legal action, accusing the energy company of negligence in safeguarding its subcontractors. Their advocacy signals the desire for accountability regarding the company’s protective measures before the assault.
Nicholas Alexander, a survivor from South Africa, expressed relief over the investigation, highlighting previous fears that TotalEnergies’ influence would hinder an inquiry. “So we’re very happy that’s gone ahead,” he articulated, emphasizing the call for a thorough judicial examination for clarity on the incident.
The investigation, addressing involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist persons in distress, was officially announced on Friday by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, as reported by AFP. A violent attack linked to Islamic State militants in March 2021 resulted in significant casualties, with numerous individuals fleeing into local forests for safety. Despite TotalEnergies halting its $20 billion LNG project post-attack, the company aims to revive operations soon.
TotalEnergies, previously known as Total in 2021, is facing allegations from seven complainants, comprising three survivors and four victims’ relatives. These accusations include failing to ensure safety measures for subcontractors during the assault. According to the Mozambican government, about 30 fatalities occurred, while independent investigations indicate over 1,400 individuals may be dead or missing, including 55 Total contractors.
The attack was executed by the Al-Shabab group, active in the Cabo Delgado region since 2017. Additionally, TotalEnergies is criticized for withholding fuel from a South African security firm that led rescue efforts during the attack, ultimately leaving many stranded during the siege.
Lawyers Vincent Brengarth and Henri Thulliez noted that the investigation represents a pivotal moment for Palma massacre victims. They remarked that the complainants are “eager to be heard in a case that is emblematic of the prevalence of economic considerations over human lives.” One victim’s relative, Janik Armstrong, recounted the desperate wait for rescue alongside others, expressing the devastation felt upon realizing they had been abandoned.
TotalEnergies maintains it evacuated all staff and supplied fuel for rescue attempts, countering allegations of negligence. The attack led to an international response, with Rwandan forces and other regional troops intervening to restore stability in the Cabo Delgado area. Concurrently, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has approved a substantial loan for TotalEnergies’ long-postponed project, which seeks to cater predominantly to Asian markets, despite strong opposition from several NGOs regarding human rights violations associated with the venture.
In conclusion, the investigation against TotalEnergies marks a significant development in seeking accountability for the 2021 Mozambique attack. Survivors and families of victims are advocating for justice, highlighting concerns regarding the company’s negligence. The legal proceedings, coupled with international scrutiny, reflect broader issues relating to corporate responsibility in high-risk environments. TotalEnergies aims to resume its operations amidst this scrutiny, emphasizing the need for transparent and responsible management going forward.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
