French energy firm TotalEnergies has denied claims that it failed to comply with agreements tied to the development of local communities in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
The company made the clarification following complaints by residents of Palma district, where the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project is located.
This was stated by the company’s country chair, Maxime Rabiloud, on Monday in Maputo after TotalEnergies signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Agency for Integrated Development of the Northern region (ADIN).
He explained that the company remains committed to agreements with the people of Palma.
Rabiloud said allegations that TotalEnergies was discriminating against subcontractors and their workers in Palma were not correct.
He explained that the project’s restart involves a significant scale up of operations, and it was important for companies to be prepared and positioned to ensure a smooth relaunch.
“I heard that we are operating in isolation. Perhaps this is a misunderstanding of what we are doing to prepare for the project’s relaunch, which involves a significant increase in activities,” Rabiloud said.
“Therefore, it is very important that all the companies involved are well prepared and in the same location to ensure they can work effectively and deliver a quality restart,” he added.
He noted that beyond the restart, TotalEnergies was expanding its efforts to support local development in the country.
According to him, this includes more direct work with Palma residents as part of ongoing commitments.
Details of TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project
The Mozambique LNG project, located in Palma district, was first halted in 2021 due to security concerns after insurgent attacks in Cabo Delgado forced international oil and gas firms to suspend operations.
The facility is expected to play a major role in Mozambique’s economy once fully operational, with gas exports projected to generate billions of dollars in revenue.
Local communities had previously raised concerns over exclusion from contracts and limited benefits from the project.
With operations set to resume, residents are pressing for stronger participation and more visible gains from the investment.
Rabiloud stated that TotalEnergies would continue to work with communities and government agencies to ensure local inclusion.
He added that the company would follow through on obligations designed to boost development in the northern region.
