Totalenergies pushes to resume mozambique gas project despite ongoing security and environmental concerns

French energy giant TotalEnergies is moving forward with plans to restart its massive liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, four years after halting operations due to deadly insurgent attacks. The company officially lifted its force majeure status on October 24, signaling its intent to resume work at the Afungi Peninsula site, though the project still requires government approval.

The $20 billion LNG facility was suspended in 2021 following violent attacks by Islamic insurgents in the nearby village of Palma that killed dozens of people and displaced thousands more. Despite the company’s push to restart, local environmental groups and security experts warn that fundamental problems remain unresolved. According to Daniel Ribeiro from Mozambican environmental organization Justiça Ambiental, approximately 1,000 workers are already operating at the site, but the security situation remains “precarious.”

Critics argue that TotalEnergies’ fortress-like security approach may actually increase dangers for local communities. The company has created a heavily fortified enclave protected by Mozambican forces alongside troops from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community. However, Ribeiro warns this model could expose surrounding villages to greater insurgent threats while the company’s operations remain secure.

Beyond security concerns, unresolved environmental impacts and inadequate compensation for displaced communities continue to plague the project. TotalEnergies has requested a 10-year extension on its production license as part of its restart proposal, but local advocates stress that the underlying issues that led to the original suspension have not been adequately addressed.