French prosecutors have launched an investigation into TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) over allegations of manslaughter and failure to assist people in danger during a 2021 jihadist attack in Mozambique, the energy company confirmed on Saturday, firmly denying any wrongdoing.
The probe follows a complaint filed in France in late 2023 by survivors and relatives of victims of the attack on Palma, a port city near Mozambique’s gas infrastructure, partially owned by TotalEnergies. The assault by Islamist insurgents killed numerous civilians and led to the suspension of the company’s multibillion-dollar LNG project.
“TotalEnergies has been informed of the opening of a judicial investigation into the Mozambique terrorist attacks of March 2021,” the firm said in an emailed statement. “The company categorically rejects these accusations.”
TotalEnergies reiterated that teams from the Mozambique LNG project had provided emergency assistance and helped evacuate over 2,500 people during the attack.
The inquiry, led by prosecutors in Nanterre, near Paris, will determine whether the company faces trial over its handling of security and subcontractor safety. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office has not yet commented on the case.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has approved a nearly $5 billion loan for Mozambique LNG, marking a significant step toward restarting the stalled project.