NEWS
French authorities have launched a TotalEnergies Mozambique investigation following a deadly 2021 insurgent attack near the company’s LNG project. Survivors and victims’ families accuse the energy giant of negligence and indirect manslaughter. They claim TotalEnergies failed to adequately inform subcontractors of security threats and lacked proper safety and evacuation plans. TotalEnergies has rejected these allegations, stating a security plan was implemented.
Source: Reuters
SITUATION ANALYSIS
This case underscores the complex challenges faced by multinationals in conflict zones. Companies have a responsibility to protect employees and contractors. However, ensuring safety in volatile regions is extremely difficult. The Mozambique investigation will examine TotalEnergies’ risk assessments, communication practices, and the limits of corporate responsibility in such environments.
CHALLENGES
- Complex Security Dynamics: Predicting and preventing attacks in areas with active insurgencies is notoriously difficult, placing significant responsibility on corporations for risk assessment and mitigation.
- Establishing Liability: Proving negligence in a conflict zone presents legal complexities, requiring investigators to determine the extent of the company’s duty of care and whether their actions fell below reasonable standards.
- Reputational Damage: Even if ultimately acquitted, such investigations can inflict reputational harm on multinational companies, impacting operations and investor perceptions.
WHY ICOGNATIVE?
iCognative™ works by inputting confidential details about an event – security protocols, evacuation plans, or known insurgent tactics. Investigators then present suspects with related stimuli (images, text, etc.). A distinct brain response suggests the suspect possesses deeper knowledge of the situation. Here’s how iCognitive could aid in this type of investigation:
- Assessing Individual Responsibility: The technology might reveal whether company executives were aware of security gaps or downplayed risks leading up to the attack.
- Exposing Negligence: iCognative could help determine if there was a deliberate attempt to conceal known dangers from subcontractors to protect business interests.
- Uncovering Communication Gaps: iCognative might reveal failures in information sharing or discrepancies between official safety protocols and their implementation on the ground.
The TotalEnergies investigation highlights the scrutiny facing corporations operating in conflict zones. While iCognitive offers investigative potential, strengthening preventative measures is crucial. Companies must prioritize thorough risk assessments, transparent communication, and robust emergency plans to protect those working in dangerous areas.
Source: Brainwave Science