French multinational TotalEnergies is facing scrutiny over its plans to resume natural gas extraction in Mozambique’s conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado region, potentially violating the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), according to NGOs.
Following a terror attack in 2021, TotalEnergies, along with ExxonMobil and Eni, halted operations in Cabo Delgado.
However, during a recent presentation of its 2023 annual results, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné announced intentions to restart operations in Mozambique this year.
NGOs, including the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE), have raised concerns about TotalEnergies’ disregard for the region’s conflict and violence risks.
They argue that the company’s actions could conflict with the forthcoming CSDDD, which requires companies to assess their operations in high-risk contexts, adhere to human rights obligations, and implement climate transition plans.
Jennifer Kwao of CAN Europe emphasized the importance of the CSDDD in ensuring accountability and providing justice for affected communities in Mozambique.
Similarly, Jill McCardle of FoEE highlighted that TotalEnergies’ actions may not align with the CSDDD’s requirements for addressing negative impacts effectively.
The CSDDD, expected to be adopted by the European Parliament on April 24, aims to enhance international standards in developing countries and improve living conditions for affected communities.
It will apply to EU companies with over 1,000 employees and non-EU companies with a significant presence in the EU.
Under the CSDDD, companies failing to comply could face penalties of up to 5% of their net worldwide turnover.
TotalEnergies is already facing legal action in France for alleged negligence during the 2021 terror attack in northern Mozambique, indicating growing accountability for corporate actions in conflict-affected regions.
