AFPM Soldiers Secure Total Gas Terminal Amid Controversy in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado

Gas, Guns, and Gaffes: The Dutch Dilemma in Mozambique

Well, folks, grab your popcorn and let’s dive into the drama that is the Dutch government and their latest soap opera starring TotalEnergies in Mozambique—a place that’s seemingly more dangerous than a family reunion with your unfiltered uncle.

What’s the Fuss?

It appears that the Dutch state has a little decision to make—do they roll the dice on a gas project in Mozambique that’s already had more plot twists than a soap opera? Yes, I’m looking at you, dredging company Van Oord, who received a nice little safety net of €1 billion to shove their jackhammers into one of the largest gas bubbles on the planet. Talk about a real-life ‘finders keepers’ policy!

But wait! Just as we thought the scene was set for an extravagant extraction, a terrorist group swoops in faster than those pesky Jehovah’s Witnesses at your doorstep, sending TotalEnergies into temporary hibernation. And the question lurks: would you want to get back to work in a minefield of danger? Asking for a friend.

The Dark Side of Gas

Now we’ve got local jihadists and a plethora of local issues flaring up like a bad rash. According to Isabelle Geuskens from Milieudefensie, the criticism is louder than a toddler refusing broccoli. She claims the Netherlands should not only be a cheerleader at this gas-guzzling gathering but should also reconsider their role—because apparently, human rights are more important than cheap fuel.

And if you think the troubles stop there, think again! Investigative journalist Alex Perry gives us the scoop that when the local jihadists weren’t holding recruiting drives, the Mozambican soldiers—allegedly hired by Total—were getting *very creative* with their interrogations. Yes, you heard right! They turned into a semi-legal encapsulation of human rights violations. Rounding up innocent civilians—even those just wandering about with the audacity to live—and locking them up like lost luggage is not quite what you’d expect from a gas extraction deal. Who knew ‘Gas: The Movie’ could be so grim?

So, Back to Business?

Here’s where it gets messy. TotalEnergies insists everything is fine, like a dog sitting in a burning room saying, “This is fine!” But with rumors swirling about torturous practices at their gate leading to a stony graveyard for innocent men, one has to wonder—are they living in a parallel universe, or are they just that desperate to get the gas flowing?

Geuskens, bless her, is not hopeful for the government to acknowledge the larger implications of this project. There’s a real chance we’ll see the Dutch government go all-in on this deal, clutching their hopes like a toddler holding onto their favorite toy—blissfully unaware of the surrounding chaos.

Can They Really Ignore the Mess?

Members of the Dutch Ministry of Finance are tapping their fingers nervously on the desks as they read through investigations proving that Atradius DSB, their credit insurer, didn’t bother to actually check the safety risks, instead opting for a quick Wikipedia search. It’s hard to believe that multiple fatalities and civilian casualties didn’t raise any red flags. But then again, this is a government we’re talking about—not exactly known for sharp reflexes!

In all seriousness, it’s a sordid tale draped in the veil of capitalism. The reality is complex, and the repercussions solidify the argument that the gas riches of Mozambique haven’t done much to help its citizens, making this whole enterprise look less like a win/win and more like a lose/lose.

Final Thoughts

So what now for the Dutch government? Will they pivot away from this train wreck in slow-motion, or will they order another round of champagne to toast to this reckless expedition? As the hours tick down to their decision, one can only hope they don’t repeat the mistakes of the past—because, believe me, nobody wants to relive the same messy dynamic all over again, especially in a country already soaking in strife.

In conclusion, it’s the classic case of ‘follow the money’—a gas project tangled in the complexities of local struggles. Whether that bubble is going to pop now depends on the very same Dutch state that seems to have forgotten about the human costs involved. Here’s hoping they remember that sometimes, the greatest wealth doesn’t come from deep in the ground, but from the integrity of their policies. Just a thought!

The Dutch state faces a pivotal decision regarding a controversial gas initiative led by French TotalEnergies in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. This imperative discussion is set to unfold in the House of Representatives today, focusing on the potential resumption of operations within one of the globe’s largest natural gas reserves.

This agenda item in The Hague includes ‘export credit insurance,’ a mechanism designed to safeguard Dutch businesses engaged in high-risk ventures. Approximately three years ago, the Netherlands extended such an insurance policy to Van Oord, a dredging firm tasked with supporting natural gas extraction efforts on behalf of TotalEnergies.

An agreement stipulated that should the project encounter significant setbacks, Van Oord would qualify for compensation reaching up to 1 billion euros. The backing was facilitated by Atradius DSB, the state’s designated credit insurer; however, actual dredging activities have yet to commence.

The week the aid was granted, violence erupted as a local jihadist group initiated a devastating attack on Palma, a city pivotal to Mozambique’s gas sector. The attack had grave implications for the region, leading to an estimated loss of life for around a thousand people, including local workers and innocent civilians.

While TotalEnergies paused the project as consequences of the attack unfolded, the company now expresses intention to resume its operations. Isabelle Geuskens from Milieudefensie has long advocated for awareness regarding the project’s complexities, claiming, “the Netherlands should never have invested in this situation, and they certainly cannot ignore the surrounding issues now.”

Geuskens emphasizes that the violence did not materialize suddenly; she recalls issuing prior warnings surrounding human rights violations and civilian casualties prior to the endorsement of the export credit insurance. “Since then, more horrifying developments have emerged, reflecting not only jihadist violence but also alarming conduct by Mozambican soldiers.”

The reality of violence within the gas-rich Cabo Delgado region has been brought to the forefront through investigations conducted by journalists such as Alex Perry. His inquiries reveal that the terrorist attack was just one grim chapter in a series of tragedies that plague the region.

“After the 2021 assault, TotalEnergies engaged Mozambican military forces for protection. Eyewitness accounts indicate that these soldiers apprehended innocent civilians, labeling them jihadists. Many of these individuals were detained in shipping containers near the entrance to TotalEnergies and suffered torture or death. The death toll reportedly reached into the hundreds,” Perry detailed.

Perry highlights the precarious position of both private and state investors. “TotalEnergies asserts that the situation normalized quickly post-attack, yet my findings suggest otherwise. They deny knowledge of the killings occurring over several months on their site’s periphery, despite numerous reports and witness testimonies.”

As discussions on granting further state financing unfold, both Geuskens and Perry caution that renewed investments could reignite hostilities in an already volatile region. Perry stated, “The safety concerns persist. Mozambique’s abundant natural resources should benefit the populace; however, discontentment has emerged, fueled by the corrupt political climate and the influx of affluent western entities.”

The Dutch Ministry of Finance, on behalf of Atradius, acknowledges the weight of investigative findings presented by Perry and is presently reviewing all concerns as part of its reassessment process.

Geuskens calls for vigilance against potential tunnel vision from Dutch authorities. “Three years back, it seemed as though the Netherlands prioritized business outcomes above all, disregarding broader safety implications. A realization that this responsibility extends beyond the project’s immediate radius is crucial.”

Further, she urges thorough investigations into alleged military atrocities. “The Netherlands must withdraw its support for this venture or, at the very least, maintain a cautious pause.”

Revoking the previously issued policies appears complex, explained a Finance spokesperson, who stated, “This can only occur with evident default, negligence, or fraudulent activity by the insured party. Current situations, however, do not meet those criteria.”

Inadequate safety analysis

Investigation into the initial export credit provided to Van Oord in 2021 unveiled that Atradius failed to conduct a thorough examination of safety risks associated with the project. Alarmingly, incorrect information sourced from Wikipedia was utilized in the evaluation. An independent research institute termed Proximities concluded that Atradius should have heeded warnings from civil society organizations more seriously.

In response to inquiries from NOS, the Ministry of Finance, acting on behalf of Atradius, asserted that it has complied with recommendations from Proximities and maintains consistent communication with social organizations regarding safety and ethical concerns.

Milieudefensie expresses ongoing frustrations regarding a perceived neglect of local insights and values within the evaluation process. The specific outcomes of the reassessment remain undisclosed, with final approval resting in the hands of the Ministers of Finance and Foreign Trade.