Hotel Manager Defends Helicopter Escape During Mozambique Siege

Timothy Roberts, the manager of the Amarula Hotel in Palma, Mozambique, has defended his decision to evacuate via helicopter with two dogs during a March 2021 terrorist siege, an inquest heard. Roberts stated he was ordered by the hotel owners to leave on the chartered helicopter, which cost $15,000 (£11,200).

The manager's actions drew criticism for allegedly abandoning the hotel shortly before British contractor Philip Mawer, 58, died. Mawer was killed when his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while attempting to flee in a convoy. Mawer had been working in Mozambique for 18 months on a project to construct workers' accommodation for TotalEnergies' gas operation.

At the inquest, Roberts testified that he had attempted to persuade Mawer to leave earlier, but Mawer had refused, prioritizing the evacuation of women and children. Roberts recounted hearing shouts of "Allahu Akbar" and trying to arrange an evacuation on March 24, 2021, but claims no immediate assistance was available, with rescue efforts focused on governors and staff.

Roberts stated that after multiple unsuccessful attempts to arrange flights due to fuel shortages and diminishing daylight, he was informed a helicopter was coming two days later. He believed staying would have been fatal. He was then instructed by the hotel owners to board the helicopter, which departed around 3:15 PM, the same time the convoy Mawer was part of was reportedly targeted.

Simon Everett, CEO of Everett Aviation, the company that conducted the rescue, stated his company had no responsibility to evacuate others. He confirmed authorizing the rescue of Roberts, three staff members, and two dogs, noting the dogs did not occupy passenger seats. Everett expressed regret, calling the decision to authorize the rescue too dangerous in hindsight.

Reinaldo, an IT specialist who was in the pickup truck driven by Mawer when it was hit by an RPG, described the attack. He said the convoy was traveling at high speed when it came under gunfire before the RPG struck their vehicle. The vehicle began skidding while still under fire, and they were forced to abandon it and flee.

TotalEnergies has faced accusations of hindering rescue efforts and not providing sufficient fuel for helicopters. The company's Mozambican subsidiary, TEPMA1, denied responsibility for Mawer and stated it could not supply fuel to a private military group working with the Mozambique government due to alleged human rights abuse allegations against the group. TEPMA1 claimed it was unaware Mawer remained in Palma.