French energy giant TotalEnergies has restarted its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique, ending a five-year suspension triggered by a deadly jihadist insurgency.
The announcement was made on Thursday by TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne at a ceremony attended by Mozambique’s new president, Daniel Chapo.
Pouyanne declared the “force majeure” status over, marking a full return to operations for one of Africa’s largest energy investments.
The project, located in the northern Cabo Delgado province, was halted in 2021 following a brutal insurgent attack that killed approximately 800 people.
While TotalEnergies formally lifted the force majeure in October, the official restart signals renewed confidence in the region’s security.
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President Chapo’s office hailed the restart as a “significant milestone for the national economy,” underscoring international partners’ faith in Mozambique’s potential.
The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and position the country as a major global LNG exporter.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups, who label it a “climate bomb.”
Critics also question its local benefits, noting that over 80% of Mozambicans lived below the poverty line in 2022, according to World Bank data.
Despite improved security, the Cabo Delgado region continues to experience sporadic attacks, with the insurgency claiming over 6,200 lives since 2017.
Additionally, TotalEnergies is seeking $4.5 billion in compensation from the Mozambican government for cost overruns incurred during the five-year delay, adding a layer of financial tension to the project’s revival.
