What You Need to Know
Total Energies’ CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, announced that security conditions in Cabo Delgado are now favorable for resuming the Mozambique LNG Project. Following a state of force majeure due to a terrorist attack in 2021, the project is set to continue with nearly 6,000 personnel on site, as efforts by local and Rwandan forces have improved safety in the region.
Africa-Press – Mozambique. Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of the French oil and gas company, Total Energies, which heads the Mozambique LNG Project, located on the Afungi peninsula, in Palma district, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, believes that security conditions are favourable for the resumption of activities.
The LNG project, which is budgeted at around 20 billion dollars, had been suspended when Total Energies declared a state of “force majeure” following a major terrorist attack against Palma town in March 2021.
However, work by the Mozambican defence and security forces and their Rwandan allies, particularly in the key districts of Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, allowed TotalEnergies to lift the state of force majeure.
According to the CEO, speaking to reporters after meeting Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who is on a working visit to Brussels, the security conditions are “good” and work will continue.
“It was a good opportunity for us to analyse the project’s progress. Today we have almost 6,000 people on land, so we visited Afungi and continue executing the project. The next step is to continue building”, he said.
Pouyanné also said that the meeting with the President was necessary in order to “analyse the project’s progress. It will not stop, for sure. We are there to make it a reality. Not only for Mozambique, but also for Europe and the world.”
Cabo Delgado has faced significant challenges due to insurgent attacks since 2017, which have disrupted economic activities and displaced thousands. The Mozambique LNG Project, valued at approximately $20 billion, was initially halted in March 2021 after a major attack in Palma. Recent military efforts have aimed to stabilize the region, allowing for the resumption of this critical energy project, which is vital for Mozambique’s economic future and energy supply to Europe and beyond. The collaboration between Mozambican forces and Rwandan troops has been pivotal in restoring security, enabling Total Energies to proceed with its plans.
