The Dutch government has initiated an independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations linked to the French energy company TotalEnergies’ operations in Mozambique. The investigation will examine the role of various security actors in the region and their connections with TotalEnergies.
A POLITICO report revealed that a Mozambican military unit allegedly detained between 180 and 250 people in containers at TotalEnergies’ facility gatehouse for three months. Only 26 individuals survived, with 97 victims identified so far.
These revelations have drawn criticism from both French and European lawmakers. While TotalEnergies’ Mozambican subsidiary claimed there was no evidence to support these allegations, the company has since postponed its gas project in Mozambique. The Dutch investigation could further challenge these claims by providing an independent assessment of the situation.
The Dutch government had been providing export support to Dutch company Van Oord for the construction of a pipeline linked to the LNG project but has suspended this assistance while the project remains on hold. The findings of the investigation will be presented to the Dutch House of Representatives, influencing any future decisions on continuing this support.
Separately, the Mozambican Attorney General’s Office has also opened an investigation into the allegations, initiating a criminal case regarding kidnapping, rape, and murder committed by security personnel at the TotalEnergies facility.













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