US Warns of Mozambique Attack Risk

The US has warned its citizens against travelling to the area of northern Mozambique where a major Anadarko onshore liquefaction project is planned, following earlier gun attacks blamed on Islamic militants.

The US embassy in Mozambique issued an alert June 8 saying: “In light of information pointing to the likelihood of imminent attacks on government and commercial centers in the district headquarters of Palma, Cabo Delgado Province in the coming days, we strongly advise American citizens in the district headquarters of Palma to consider departing the area immediately. Those who elect to remain in Palma district are strongly advised to avoid travel to the district headquarters and to postpone visits to both government offices and retail locations, including markets. American citizens with planned travel to Palma District are strongly advised to postpone such travel.”

Anadarko has already begun some site preparation at Afungi and built a two-lane highway. Key terms for the project were agreed with the government earlier this year; a final investment decision is expected from Anadarko later this year or early 2019 on its planned 12.88mn mt/yr project.

The site is expected to be shared with ExxonMobil. Although Exxon has made fewer remarks about its rival LNG project, there have been suggestions that it may overtake Anadarko’s timeline and capacity.