Total company tries to calm the population in Palma district

Since the end of 2025 until the beginning of 2026, the population of Palma District, in Cabo Delgado Province in the north of the country, has been expressing dissatisfaction with the company TotalEnergies due to several problems between the company and the local residents. Despite some attempts to ease tensions, the company still faces difficulties in gaining the trust of the population.

Much of the discontent is related to debts that the company has with the people of Palma and the lack of cooperation with residents and natives of some villages in the district, such as Kitunda, Senga, Maganja, Monjane, and other nearby villages where natural gas exploration activities take place.

According to local information, these situations led to several protests at the Afungi facilities, which serve as the center of operations for TotalEnergies. 

Protests were also reported in the village of Kitunda, mainly due to the behavior attributed to the company and its partners. The population claims that compensation for occupied land has not been fully paid and that some workers who were dismissed from companies have not been properly compensated. In addition, residents complain about the lack of employment opportunities for local people.

However, sources in Palma District indicate that some progress is beginning to be observed. Many workers who had previously been dismissed have already been compensated, with only a few cases still pending.

Since February this year, there has also been an increase in recruitment processes by several companies operating in the region. Recruitment started in the village of Quitunda, and on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a recruitment process is taking place at a location known as “Four Roads,” targeting residents from the village of Senga.

According to the population, this recruitment process has been welcomed because employment opportunities are limited. Young people, adults, and even elderly residents are being recruited, and some have already started working. Currently, during the day, some neighborhoods in the villages of Quitunda and Senga remain almost empty because many residents are at work.

Despite these developments, the population continues to ask the company to resolve outstanding debts and to improve cooperation with local residents. Another challenge mentioned is the difficulty of transportation for workers who travel from the district headquarters of Palma to Afungi.

At the moment, some companies and security firms, such as Gardaworld and ISCO, are recruiting in the region. (BP)