The optimism over the resumption of the TotalEnergies project in Cabo Delgado province masks real geopolitical interests and issues, according to the Center for Public Integrity (CIP).

In this sense, the Civil Society Organization (CSO) defends a tripartite critical view of the implications of the multinational's return on the possible effects on politics, the economy and society. This perspective, according to CIP, is supported by the recent funding announcement to the project by the Exim Bank of the United States of America.

"The financing approved by the US Exim Bank is not just a gesture of goodwill. It reflects US geopolitical and economic interests, which seek to counterbalance China's growing influence in Africa," writes the CSO, noting that companies like TotalEnergies "have a long history of exploiting the weaknesses of host countries to secure advantageous conditions for their business."

O CIP warns of the incoherence of the statements made by TotalEnergies' leadership, which show that safety may not be the main reason for developing the project. Before the certainty of the US Exim Bank's financing, the French firm evoked security issues, but now - with the financing approved - "the narrative seems to have changed. The company is returning to the country even though the security situation is still unstable."

CIP believes that the country is facing pressure to accept investments that could turn its economic situation around. However, given the Executive's position of not intending to sign agreements with TotalEnergies and ExxonMobiil, Mozambique runs the risk of seeing projects paralyzed if it proves too inflexible to the demands of the international giants.

Among many, "at home, social and political pressures manifest themselves through public protest... the lack of political legitimacy of the current government after fraudulent elections and, on the other hand, the citizens' growing distrust of public institutions."

"The government's ability to negotiate better conditions, monitor operating costs and ensure that revenues are used for sustainable development will be decisive for the real impact of this megaproject," argues CIP.