French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies is displaying unwavering determination to push forward with its liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, despite warnings from the French government against visiting certain areas of the province.
According to a report from the Zitamar News Service, Maxime Rabilloud, the head of TotalEnergies’ Mozambique business, recently conducted tours of the Palma and Mocímboa da Praia districts, in defiance of the French government’s cautionary advice.
Paris had specifically flagged Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, and the provincial capital, Pemba, as high-risk areas due to insurgent threats and kidnapping risks.
However, security measures have been bolstered in Palma and Mocímboa da Praia by Mozambican armed forces and Rwandan allies, although concerns persist in rural areas.
TotalEnergies expressed surprise at the timing of the travel warning and voiced its concerns to the French foreign service. President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique also expressed frustration at the delay in resuming the LNG project.
Despite these challenges, TotalEnergies is pressing ahead with preparations to lift the force majeure declared in April 2021 following a terrorist attack on Palma. Security at the project site on the Afungi peninsula has been reinforced, with a significant presence of Mozambican and Rwandan forces.
Finance, rather than security, now appears to be the primary hurdle to the project’s formal restart. The project’s financing, largely dependent on loans from export finance institutions and commercial banks, is awaiting approval, including a substantial commitment from the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Meanwhile, TotalEnergies remains actively engaged in social initiatives in the region. Rabilloud participated in ceremonies donating medical supplies and inaugurating infrastructure projects in Palma and Mocímboa da Praia.
These efforts signify the company’s commitment to the local community despite security concerns.
While the formal resumption of the LNG project has faced delays, tentative plans now aim for late June.
TotalEnergies’ persistence amidst challenges underscores its commitment to advancing the LNG project in Mozambique and contributing to the region’s development.
