TotalEnergies Confirms Lifting of Force Majeure on Mozambique LNG Project

Africa Security Analysis (ASA) – Southern Africa & Extractives Desk
Strategic / Energy Infrastructure Brief

Overview: TotalEnergies Resumes LNG Operations in Northern Mozambique

In a formal letter dated October 24, 2025, addressed to H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, TotalEnergies SE, on behalf of the Mozambique LNG co-venturers, confirmed its decision to lift the Force Majeure declared in 2021 on the Mozambique LNG project in Cabo Delgado.

The decision marks the relaunch of one of Africa’s largest energy investments, estimated at over USD 20 billion, and follows sustained improvements in the security environment and the re-engagement of government and foreign security partners, notably through the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed with Rwanda.

Security Preconditions and Government Guarantees

The letter acknowledges the Mozambican government’s recent progress in restoring stability in Cabo Delgado, particularly following the continued deployment of Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) under the SOFA signed in August 2025, and ongoing capacity-building efforts for the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) with international support.

Quoting the President’s public statement in Maputo (2 October 2025), TotalEnergies highlighted the government’s proactive stance in addressing security risks:

“Our government, in collaboration with the Concessionaires, has been taking measures to address security challenges… confirming the continued presence of Rwandan forces and the training of Mozambican forces to ensure independent maintenance of security.”

Following these assurances, TotalEnergies and the Mozambique LNG co-venturers assessed that the conditions for safe operations are now in place, enabling access to both land and maritime zones required for project execution.
This assessment prompted the consortium to lift the Force Majeure, paving the way for a phased resumption of construction and logistical activities.

Project Resumption and Operational Outlook

The resumption process will occur under a containment and security management framework designed jointly by the Concessionaire and the Government of Mozambique.
This will prioritize controlled re-mobilization of personnel and contractors, reinforced site security, and improved coordination between industrial operators and security forces.

Key next steps include:

• The government’s approval of a revised cost and schedule plan submitted to the Ministry of Energy on October 2, 2024.
• The formal relaunch of on-site activities following completion of the audit for Force Majeure costs (2021–2024), estimated at USD 4.5 billion.
• A phased return to full construction operations and re-commissioning of support infrastructure around Afungi and Palma District.

Revised Timetable and Economic Impact

According to the updated schedule enclosed with the correspondence:

• The first LNG cargo from Train 1 is now expected in the first half of 2029, instead of mid-2024.
• Completion of all trains, initially targeted for 2025, is now projected between 2028 and 2029.

The Force Majeure period (March 24, 2021 – October 9, 2025) has effectively delayed the project by 4.5 years (54 months), prompting the consortium to request a 10-year extension of the Golfinho-Atum Development and Production License under the EPCC framework.

This extension is intended to partially compensate for the economic and operational impact of the delay, while ensuring long-term production stability once the site becomes fully operational.

Financial Adjustments and License Amendments

To mitigate the financial strain caused by the prolonged suspension, the Mozambique LNG Concessionaire has requested amendments to existing financing structures, notably:

• Extension of the Golfinho-Atum license term by 10 years beyond its original expiration.
• Modification of the ENH Funding Agreement (October 21, 2016) to authorize reimbursement of development costs incurred by the Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH) under the carry mechanism, once repayments under the EPCC begin.
• Optimization of ENH’s financial obligations to maintain national participation without compromising project liquidity.

These measures are designed to restore fiscal balance between foreign operators, Mozambique’s state entities, and international lenders in the wake of Force Majeure-related disruptions.

Security Partnerships and Regional Coordination

The decision to resume operations is closely linked to the continued presence of Rwandan forces in Cabo Delgado, as well as parallel support from SADC contingents operating under the SAMIM framework.
Under the August 2025 SOFA, Rwanda’s mission in northern Mozambique is confirmed to remain in place throughout the construction period of both the Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG projects.

This arrangement complements ongoing training programs for Mozambican units, reinforcing a hybrid security model where foreign stabilization forces operate alongside national troops to guarantee long-term security of critical infrastructure zones.

ASA Strategic Assessment: Security–Investment Convergence

African Security Analysis (ASA) assesses the lifting of the Force Majeure as a major milestone for both Mozambique’s economic recovery and regional investor confidence.

Short-Term Implications (0–12 months):

• Controlled resumption of LNG site activities under heightened security oversight.
• Re-mobilization of contractors and logistical corridors through Palma and Pemba.
• Improved investor sentiment, with renewed financing activity expected from European and Asian lenders.

Medium-Term Implications (2026–2030):

• Gradual normalization of LNG output and export infrastructure.
• Enhanced regional coordination among Rwanda, Mozambique, and SADC on counter-insurgency stabilization.
• A possible blueprint for public–private security collaboration in extractive zones across Africa.

ASA notes that while security improvements are substantial, localized insurgent risks persist in remote zones of Macomia and Meluco, requiring continued vigilance and robust early-warning mechanisms.

Conclusion: A Controlled Return to Growth

The lifting of Force Majeure by TotalEnergies marks the restart of Mozambique’s flagship LNG project, signalling restored confidence in the country’s security architecture and its international partnerships.
With the government reaffirming its commitment to stability and TotalEnergies reinstating operational investment, Mozambique is positioned to regain momentum as a key LNG supplier in global energy markets.

However, the success of the relaunch will depend on maintaining the current security equilibrium, sustaining community engagement in Cabo Delgado, and ensuring transparent fiscal management of the project’s renewed phase.

For in-depth briefings on Mozambique LNG security dynamics, Rwanda–SADC stabilization frameworks, or extractives-sector resilience, contact ASA’s Southern Africa Desk for tailored analysis and strategic support.