Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001864/2024/rev.1
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Francisco Assis (S&D), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Bruno Gonçalves (S&D), Carla Tavares (S&D), Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D), Isilda Gomes (S&D)
Since 2021, the Islamic militia Al-Shabab, an affiliate of Daesh, has been responsible for violations of the human rights of the Mozambican people in Cabo Delgado province, which has led to the exodus of tens of thousands of civilians. While all this has been going on, reports have also emerged of human rights abuses committed by the military forces tasked with stopping Al-Shabab – forces made up of Mozambican and Rwandan troops.
Recently, reports have come to light of heinous crimes committed in Afungi by Mozambican soldiers working for the French company TotalEnergies, who had been hired to protect an investment in natural gas extraction from the Al-Shabab militia. These crimes are reported to include the arbitrary executions of hundreds of people, crimes of torture, rape and the inhumane treatment of prisoners. A further issue is the possible cover-up of these crimes by senior TotalEnergies officials.
In view of the above:
- 1.Will the Commission call on the Mozambican Government to hold to account and punish those responsible?
- 2.What does the Vice-President / High Representative make of allegations implicating TotalEnergies, a multinational based in a Member State?
- 3.How will the Commission enforce Directive (EU) 2024/1760 on corporate sustainability due diligence, which obliges companies to reduce their adverse impact on human rights?
Submitted: 27.9.2024