Total reduces Mozambique LNG staff

Total SE has asked some workers to evacuate its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique.

Fighters linked to Islamic State raided a town less than 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the construction camp this week of what is Africa’s largest private investment, ratcheting up risks for the planned LNG export terminal on Mozambique’s northern coastline. While the heavily guarded site hasn’t been attacked yet, militants have made threats that they may do so.

Total “has temporarily reduced its workforce on site in response to the prevailing environment,” the company said in an emailed response to questions on Friday. The situation is being reviewed continuously, it said.

The South African country has so far fought to control the insurgency in the province of Cabo Delgado, which began in October 2017, killing nearly 2,500 people and forcing 570,000 to flee their homes.