TotalEnergies, responsible for the exploration of liquefied natural gas in Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin, in the district of Palma, in the north of Cabo Delgado province, has finally begun negotiations to overcome an impasse between the French oil company and local peasants.

The peasants accuse the French oil company of failing to comply with the agreements signed in connection with the exploitation of mineral resources in the region.

Before the formal negotiations, TotalEnergies proposed compensation of 250,000 meticais to the affected farmers. However, the amount was widely rejected by the communities, who continue to demand more than the amount offered. In addition, one of the main demands is for land to be made available for cultivation, since the gas exploration is affecting their agricultural production areas.

However, according to a Zumbo FM NewsAccording to a local source, negotiations with the farmers of Mecúbi, Macala, Mangala and Palma-sede are underway, with the next round scheduled for the village of Macala. The community, which is still debating the proposal of 250,000 meticais, hopes that the discussions will extend to other affected areas in the coming days.

"After the Macala communities claimed their land, there are still unresolved problems. So far, the government has made 250,000 meticais available, but the communities have refused. When the money was allocated to the villages of Quituco and Quituda, the residents also rejected it, because they are still demanding their land. So far, there is no solution in sight," says the same publication, quoting local sources.

(Photo DR)