Source: European Parliament
The Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President have taken note of the article published by Politico on 26 September 2024 on the alleged actions of the Mozambican army against civilians in Cabo Delgado in summer 2021[1].
The EU continues to stress the importance of good conduct and behaviour of the Mozambican armed forces towards local populations.
In this context, trainings on human rights and international humanitarian law as well as women and children’s rights are part of the support to the Quick Reaction Forces of the Mozambican army provided by the EU military training mission in Mozambique and EU military assistance mission since their inception in November 2021 and September 2024 respectively.
The EU, through its delegation on the ground, has engaged with the Government of Mozambique to provide information on these actions and has made it clear to the Mozambican authorities that it expects elements of clarification in order to shed light on the events described in the article.
In a press statement released on 11 October 2024[2], the Ministry of Defense ‘regrets and refutes categorically the allegations mentioned in the article’.
It stands ready ‘to accept a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations in order to establish the truth’.
Based on Directive (EU) 2024/1760[3] on corporate sustainability due diligence which will start applying in 2027, companies in scope will be required to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their activities inside and outside Europe.
Designated Member States’ authorities will enforce these rules and ensure that any victims receive compensation as foreseen by the directive. As such, TotalEnergies will have to comply with the directive should they decide to resume their operations in Cabo Delgado.