TotalEnergies publishes report on human rights in Cabo Delgado in Mozambique

French energy major TotalEnergies on May 23 released a report assessing the humanitarian situation in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. The report, prepared by independent expert Jean-Christophe Rufin, highlights the progress made by the Mozambique LNG project partners in addressing the challenges faced by the local population in the region.

The findings of the report have led to the formulation of an action plan aimed at fostering sustainable development and improving living conditions for affected communities, TotalEnergies said.

The conflict in Cabo Delgado, according to the report, has deep-rooted causes predating the gas development projects and extends beyond the scope of Mozambique LNG's operations. However, the report commends the efforts made by Mozambique LNG in undertaking humanitarian operations and socio-economic development programs around the Afungi site since 2021.

Jean-Christophe Rufin's assessment indicates an improved humanitarian situation in northern Cabo Delgado, with a notable return of displaced populations to the towns of Palma and Mocímboa da Praia. The report acknowledges the positive impact of Mozambique LNG's actions on the living conditions of the local population.

To further enhance their initiatives, the Mozambique LNG project partners have devised an action plan based on the report's recommendations. The plan includes the establishment of a dedicated foundation named "Pamoja Tunaweza" ("together we can" in Kiswahili), with a multi-annual budget of $200mn.

The foundation aims to implement a socio-economic development programme encompassing the entire Cabo Delgado province, striving for shared prosperity beyond the project's operational phase.

Additionally, the action plan focuses on addressing the needs of populations affected by the Afungi industrial site. It entails auditing the relocation and compensation processes to identify necessary improvements, finalizing the resettlement of Quitupo village residents, updating asset inventories for fair compensation, accelerating compensation payments, facilitating local communities' access to agricultural areas, and providing transportation means for fishermen resettled in Quitunda to access fishing areas.

The report also highlights positive developments in the security situation in northern Cabo Delgado during 2022. As a result, Mozambique LNG will engage in a dialogue with the Mozambican Defense Forces to review their framework of relations, considering the evolving circumstances.

In line with their commitment to accountability and transparency, the Mozambique LNG project partners have requested Jean-Christophe Rufin to conduct a follow-up mission to monitor the implementation of the action plan.

Mozambique LNG is the first onshore development of an LNG plant in the country. The project includes the development of the Golfinho and Atum fields located in Offshore Area 1 and the construction of two liquefaction trains with a total capacity of 13.1mn metric tons/year.

TotalEnergies holds a 26.5% interest alongside ENH (15%), Mitsui (20%), ONGC Videsh (10%), Beas (10%), BPRL (10%), and PTTEP (8.5%).

On April 26, 2021, considering the evolution of the security situation in the north of Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique LNG decided to withdraw all project personnel from the Afungi site. This situation also led the Mozambique LNG project partners to declare force majeure.