By Jorge Joaquim
The chief executive of French energy giant Total, Patrick Pouyanné, met President Filipe Nyusi on monday to discuss the security situation in Mozambique, according to a statement from the Presidency released on Tuesday afternoon.
The meeting addressed the latest developments in the implementation of the Total’s $20 billion liquefied natural gas project.
Among other points, security issues were also discussed in the northern part of Cabo Delgado which has been the target of terrorist attacks that has intensified in recent months, with attacks occurring near Total’s concession area. The French company paused construction and began evacuating its staff this month.
Due to the situation, the Nyusi and Pouyanné agreed on the need to establish a security plan to ensure the smooth implementation of the project, the statement seen by Pan Afrivcan Visions says.
Nyusi was accompanied at the meeting by the Ministers of Mineral Resources and Energy, Ernesto Max Tonela; of National Defence, Jaime Bessa Neto and of the Interior, Amade Miquidade.
Mozambique is weighing offers from several countries, including France, Portugal and the U.S., for help fighting the Islamic State-linked insurgents, whose attacks have left nearly 2,500 people dead and caused 570,000 to flee their homes. The government wants to stop any disruptions to the gas investments that it expects will transform one of the world’s poorest countries.
Gas production at the project Total is leading is planned to start in 2024.
