The U.S. Export-Import Bank is poised to approve $4.7 billion for the Mozambique LNG project by Total Energies amidst severe human rights concerns and ongoing investigations. Notable investigations include actions by the Dutch government and the French state prosecutor related to human rights abuses and the Palma Massacre. Critics argue this funding prioritizes corporate interests over humanitarian needs.
The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) is set to approve a significant support package for Mozambique LNG, operated by Total Energies. This project faces severe opposition due to reported human rights violations, including reports of abuse linked to the gas project’s security forces. Recent investigations include inquiries by the Dutch government, the Mozambican Attorney General, and the French state prosecutor regarding various allegations surrounding the project and the 2021 Palma Massacre.
Key developments include an independent inquiry initiated by the Dutch government concerning human rights abuses linked to Mozambique’s security forces. Simultaneously, the Mozambican Attorney General’s office has begun investigating these allegations against unidentified individuals. In France, Total Energies faces scrutiny for potential manslaughter connected to the Palma Massacre, where families allege negligence in protecting their loved ones.
Daniel Ribiero from Friends of the Earth Mozambique commented, “The human rights violations, armed conflict, environmental impacts and risky economic projections… should have kept most sensible investors away.” This point highlights the contradictions in approving $4.7 billion in financing for a French corporation under these circumstances. Ribiero also criticized the inconsistency within the Trump administration regarding funding allocation.
Kate DeAngelis, from Friends of the Earth U.S., stated, “This is the pinnacle of government waste and an egregious abuse of taxpayer dollars.” She articulated how the administration’s prioritization of aiding fossil fuel companies demonstrates a shift away from vital foreign aid necessary for health and disaster relief efforts.
Simone Ogno of ReCommon emphasized that EXIM’s decision echoes earlier support from Italy’s SACE without recent assessments of the project’s social and environmental impacts. The relationship between the Italian government and the Trump administration seems to show a simultaneous disregard for the human rights violations associated with the Mozambique LNG initiative.
The Mozambique LNG project emerges in a context of weakened democratic institutions and ongoing social unrest. By early 2025, conservative estimates indicated over 314 deaths and 4,236 illegal detentions, highlighting the grave consequences of these developments on local communities.
The upcoming approval from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for the Mozambique LNG project has raised significant concerns about human rights violations and the project’s environmental and economic implications. Analysis reveals a troubling juxtaposition of support for fossil fuel enterprises against the backdrop of critical humanitarian needs and local protests. Voices from various advocacy groups emphasize the urgent need for reassessment and awareness to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations in Mozambique.
Original Source: foe.org
