
TotalEnergies announced Wednesday that its significant gas project in Mozambique, which has been suspended since 2021, will only resume when security conditions in the Cabo Delgado region improve.
The French energy giant responded to reports claiming further delays, emphasizing that the focus remains on restoring peace and safety in the area before any work can continue.
“The priority is to restore peace and security in Cabo Delgado and lift the force majeure,” the company said, without confirming recent media reports.
In October, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné expressed optimism about the potential restart, targeting late 2024 for resuming operations. He noted progress on the ground regarding security but added that the company would reassess its timeline as needed.
TotalEnergies holds a 26.5 percent stake in the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, designed to export gas primarily to Asian markets. However, the region remains embroiled in an ongoing insurgency led by militants with links to the Islamic State, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread instability.
Newly inaugurated President Daniel Chapo, who took office on January 15, is facing a political crisis, as protests against alleged election fraud have continued to disrupt the country. These challenges have further complicated the situation for foreign companies operating in Mozambique.
In response to reports of abuse by security forces guarding the Mozambique LNG project, TotalEnergies confirmed it had reached an agreement with the Mozambican government to provide human rights training to military personnel stationed at the site.