Group Seeks Reversal Of Total’s Force Majeure On $20bn  LNG Project In Mozambique

The African Energy Chamber,has emphasized the need for Total Corporation to reverse declaration of  force majeure on Mozambique $20bn liquefied  natural gas project.

The multinational oil company  considered the legal on Monday  due to  the evolution of the security situation in the north of the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique.

NJ Ayuk,  the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber,  expressed  disappointment over the action of the multinational oil company.

He said Mozambique may have some important security issues at the moment,but it  is not within the top countries most impacted by terrorism like Nigeria, Pakistan, India, and Libya, where Total continues to operate.

He said it was important for Total to take  the same stance in Mozambique as it has done in these countries more impacted by terrorism, and together with the government and other parties involved, find a solution to safely continue with its LNG Project.

He also said when energy multinationals made a decision to halt natural gas development projects in Myanmar and some declared Force Majeure, Total remained, and made a clear argument that the public stands to lose from electricity shortages.

The field supplied about half of Myanmar’s natural gas used for power generation.

According to him,Mozambique continues to be one of the most attractive options to produce gas in the world due to its carbon neutrality, representing a viable solution for climate change,which is a rare opportunity for Africa and the world.

He said the  energy industry continues to grapple with multiple insecurity issues, community engagement, climate change, energy poverty, greater cooperation between stakeholders is required to find beneficial solutions.

He added that:“When we stop as an industry, we nurture the hate speech against energy projects in Africa, and we give those “haters” instruments to criticize further our good-faith efforts to make Africa better for Africans. This is not the time to allow for this. This is the time to make a stand, find solutions, and continue exploiting our resources.

“Everyone must stand against the cowardly attack on Palma. Everyone with sense must understand that terrorist activities and the attacks on energy infrastructure are not only against Total and energy investors, they are against Mozambique and the entire world and all who believe that Mozambique’s gas is a solution to the climate crisis.

“Not only is this LNG project and revenue for a company and its lenders is at stake, but the life of everyday Africans and of the people of Mozambique are. We must not forget that all of these efforts and projects are and should be for the benefit of the people. Mozambicans are eagerly waiting for the benefits their gas will give to them, and we should be focusing on making them see and receive such benefits. We must not concede or surrender. We have to find a way to fight for the project and for the people.

“While the force majeure declaration by Total is a legal instrument at its disposition to procure its objectives and compromises with its lenders and the government, we firmly believe that Total will do whatever it takes to stand with Mozambique and its people. Total is not only an international company.

” It is an African company as well, as it is one of its most prominent investors and employers. Total’s connection to the African people goes far beyond its investments at a macro level. While many other multinational companies have left the continent, Total has remained, and we believe this commitment to the continent and Mozambique specifically will continue to remain.

“Let us stand together. Let us find a solution to get the Total LNG project going again. Many local and international service companies have invested much money in people, capacity building, materials, and financing, believing in Total’s LNG Project. Such efforts should not be discarded”