The timing and content of this announcement 1 are deeply concerning, given that Total is currently under judicial investigation in France for involuntary manslaughter in connection with its gas activities in Mozambique, and amid serious allegations of crimes against civilians related to its Mozambique LNG project.

Mayotte, France’s poorest overseas department, is also one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Just four months ago, the island was struck by Cyclone Chido — the most destructive cyclone to hit the archipelago in 90 years. While urgent investment is needed for reconstruction, climate adaptation, and environmental resilience, Emmanuel Macron has instead prioritized the revival of gas extraction in the Mozambique Channel — supporting Total’s controversial operations in the region. Total acquired vast gas reserves in the Mozambique Channel in 2019 and has been attempting to restart its mega-project Mozambique LNG, suspended for the past four years.

According to Lorette Philippot, campaigner at Friends of the Earth France: « Allegations of atrocities tied to gas exploitation in Mozambique are mounting, raising serious questions about Total’s responsibility. Despite this terrible context, Emmanuel Macron is now giving CEO Patrick Pouyanné a political springboard to push ahead — at any cost — the restart of Mozambique LNG. »

Investigative reports by Politico and Le Monde have revealed a presumed massacre of civilians between July and September 2021 at the Total gas site, allegedly carried out by public security forces, paid by Total, and stating to be in charge of guarding the site. In addition, a formal judicial investigation has been opened in France against Total into charges of involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist persons in danger, following a criminal complaint by survivors and families of victims of the March 2021 Palma attack, near the Mozambique LNG site.

A coalition of NGOs — including Friends of the Earth France and Mozambique — is calling on all supporters of Total’s project, including banks such as Crédit Agricole and Société Générale, to refuse to back any relaunch of the gas project, let alone until the facts and responsibilities related to these grave allegations have been identified.

« Macron’s statement continues a neocolonial policy that, under a development rationale, seeks to favour the strategic interests of French corporations abroad » Philippot added. « Claiming to support Mayotte’s recovery after a climate disaster, Macron is instead offering a gift to the very culprits of that crisis: oil and gas majors. The people of both Mozambique and Mayotte are paying the highest price — for Total’s actions and for climate breakdown. »

This kind of diplomatic support for the fossil fuel industry by the French state is nothing new. As revealed in 2020, France’s economic diplomacy apparatus has long worked to support the expansion of the fossil fuel industry — particularly its flagship company, Total — in Mozambique. This has included official visits with corporate representatives, public financing, business missions, and the mobilization of economic services within French embassies.