Revealed: Unpublished UN Report Implicates Workers on TotalEnergies-led Project in Sexual Exploitation and Mozambique’s Military in Sexual Violence

A groundbreaking investigative report has exposed systemic human rights violations involving both the Mozambican military and workers associated with the TotalEnergies-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Cabo Delgado, one of the poorest provinces in the country. According to an unpublished United Nations report obtained by the journalism collective Forbidden Stories, the findings reveal a pattern of sexual exploitation and coercion affecting vulnerable populations in the region. The report, titled "Voices of Mozambique," compiles testimonies from over 100 individuals across multiple districts, including survivors of displacement, returning citizens, and local community leaders. It highlights how both state actors and private sector entities have contributed to a climate of fear and vulnerability among women and girls.

The report indicates that between January and April 2024, a UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health conducted interviews with numerous individuals detailing instances of sexual violence. These accounts include cases where women and girls were allegedly pressured into sexual relationships in exchange for employment opportunities tied to the TotalEnergies project. One survivor, identified only as Tomazina, recounted how she was approached by a representative of the company during her visit to the Afungi Peninsula, where the LNG facility is located. She described being offered a job in exchange for sexual favors, a promise that ultimately did not materialize. Her experience reflects a broader trend documented in the report, where promises of work were used as leverage to coerce individuals into unwanted sexual encounters.

The situation in Cabo Delgado has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts with an Islamist insurgency known as Al-Shabaab, which has been active in the region since 2017. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, creating conditions where civilians are particularly susceptible to exploitation. The presence of the Mozambican military, initially intended to provide security, has instead become entangled in reports of sexual violence. Survivors allege that soldiers have engaged in coercive behavior, often under the guise of protection or authority. These allegations have been corroborated by multiple witnesses and are detailed in the comprehensive report compiled by the UN agency.

The political landscape in Mozambique has also played a role in exacerbating the challenges faced by the population in Cabo Delgado. Following the general elections in October 2024, tensions escalated as opposition voices were silenced through intimidation and violence. Arlindo Chissale, a prominent activist and journalist aligned with the Podemos political party, disappeared shortly after raising concerns about electoral fraud and the suppression of dissenting voices. His absence has left a void in the advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the multifaceted crises affecting the region. Internal documents from the movement led by Venâncio Mondlane, the former presidential candidate, indicate that at least 55 individuals, including 26 from Cabo Delgado, have either been killed or disappeared since the elections.

As the revelations continue to unfold, the focus shifts toward understanding the implications of these findings. The involvement of both the military and corporate entities raises critical questions about accountability and the need for legal action. International bodies and local organizations are now tasked with determining the next steps, which may involve formal investigations or diplomatic interventions. The situation underscores the urgent need for transparency and justice in a region grappling with complex socio-political dynamics. As the narrative continues to develop, the emphasis remains on ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and that appropriate measures are taken to address the deep-rooted issues contributing to the current crisis.