Uncertainty remains in northeastern Mozambique, where the French hydrocarbon group Total announced on Wednesday the resumption of construction work on the gas site, which would be operational in 2024. On the same day, suspected jihadists attacked the city of Palma.
After withdrawing its staff from the Afungi plant in early January, in the area of the Mozambican gas mega project threatened by attacks by IslamistsThe French group Total has received assurances from the Mozambican authorities that security will be strengthened. In particular, Maputo is counting on the support of the European Union and France to limit the Islamist threat.
With its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean, France intends to participate in the training of the Mozambican army to secure an area of great interest to Mozambique, for the various multinational corporations – at the forefront – committed to $ 20 billion. project. There are also many interests in Europe, which are trying to diversify their sources of gas supply.
Mozambican Islamists are still present
With the attack on the city of Palma on Wednesday, the Islamists as calls himself “al-Shabab” want to show that they have not said their last word, but the Mozambican government says it is determined to secure a province in Cabo Delgado that represents huge future economic revenues.
In order not to damage its image, Total does not want to support the private security companies that already exist in northern Mozambique.
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