Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Lundin War Crimes Trial

After nearly two decades of advocacy for victims of Sudan’s oil war, two central figures in the pursuit of justice finally took the stand.

In this episode, we speak with Egbert Wesselink from PAX and Petter Bolme from Global Idé—who both recently testified in the Lundin trial. Egbert, author of the Unpaid Debt report that helped spark the investigation, and Petter, who has worked with Unpaid Debt for nearly 17 years, share their reflections on the courtroom experience, the defence’s efforts to undermine witness credibility, and what this trial could mean for corporate accountability and justice for victims.

Participants: 

- Egbert Wesselink, Senior Advisor at the Dutch Peace Movement PAX
- Petter Bolme, Journalist and Project Manager at Global Idé

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by PAX and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Sara Hadfy Högström. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the sixth episode of our program in Nuer, the local language spoken in Unity State in the area where Block 5A was located and where the alleged crimes were committed. 

This trial is about justice for the survivors, and we hope this podcast will reach the people affected and shed light on the process and the latest developments in court.

Now in Nuer: 

Duɔ̱p Tëk Nuëri

Matdɛ rɔ kɛ anthrɔpɔlɔji̱th mi̱ ŋa̱ckɛ mi̱ cɔali̱ Sharon E. Hutchinson kɛnɛ Chuol Ruei Deng kɛ ɣöö bi̱ kɛ ku lɛ wɔ̱ rɛy ciɛɛŋä nath in tä kɛ ji̱ Nuer.

Rɛy kä nɛmɛ, ci̱ kɛn ciɛŋ Nuer, ka̱lciɛri̱, kɛnɛ ta̱a̱ ciɛɛŋädiɛn guic.

Ɛŋu mi ca ji Nuer ŋa̱c ɛ gɔaa rɛy ruac kumɛ, kä ci lät tin ca la̱t kɛ kui̱ ɣöyɔlä rɛy Unity State gɛr kä ci ciaaŋdiɛn in rɛlrɔ gɛr i̱di?

Tune in kɛ kui̱ ruac mi̱ bum mi̱ mat anthrɔpölöji̱ kɛnɛ ŋäc ŋɔaani̱ rɛy teekä!

Nɛy tin tee rɛydɛ 

• Sharon E. Hutchinson, ɛ gɔ̱ɔ̱r buɔk mi̱ cɔali̱ “Nuer Dilemmas: Coping with Money, War and the State” ɛ jɛn ram ëë cak cɛrika in laa ka̱mkɛ buɔkni̱ raar kä South Sudan Cultural Productions–amäni̱ wɛbthaay mi̱ pay ben–www.nuerdilemmas.com
• Chuol Ruei Deng, ɛ ram mi käk muktäp ŋi̱i̱cä mi thiɛl yiöw kɛ ɣöö bɛ ŋäc nath kap nhial, kɛnɛ ŋi̱i̱c kɛ thok Nuer “Thok Nath Research Institute” amäni “Bangtigow Foundation” kɛ luäk ŋuɛ̈tni Nuëri tin te wi̱i̱ni tin kɔ̱ŋ.

Ram ni  nyuor Nääth 

•  Halima Athumani

Jok kä duɔr

Liɛŋ yɛn nä liari kɛ kuiy khori chiɛŋni Lundin mi noŋkɛ yee ɛ PAX kɛnɛ Global Idea kɛ thuomdɛ ɛliar e mɛɛ lat ɛ Balaŋ ni JJ Kang. Ram mi latjɛ  ɛ Roos Boer. Rami noŋjɛ yiɛɛ kɛnɛ rami guiejɛ lieer coalje Sara Hadfy Högström. Guilɛ ka unpaiddebt.org mä guouri ŋääc mi röŋ ka lieŋni kök lieer kɛ lääri tin päy töɔk kɛ kuiy luök Ɛn wi̱ni̱, jiak ruacni ti ŋuan liŋ kɛ kui̱ nɛɛni tin ca näk kɛnɛ nɛy tin ŋäc ŋɔak, jiäk ruacni tin ca lat ɛ nɛy tin ŋäc ŋɔak kuɛn, jiäkni duop mi ca lat kɛ kuic köör guic rɛy gua̱th in ca lar ɛ Lundin, kä deri ruacni tin ca lat kɛ kuic rikni jek.

Child Soldiers: The War’s Youngest Victims

Children growing up in war zones are always deeply affected, and the war in Sudan was no exception. Kids as young as 6 and 7 years old were forcibly recruited, abducted from their homes and exposed to unimaginable violence and trauma, many were also forced to join the fighting. 

In today's episode we will discuss the ongoing legal proceedings related to these grave violations and hear from two former child soldiers, Gawar Mud Wat and Steven Gawar Tungwar, who are two of the plaintiffs in the Lundin War Crimes Trial. 

Participants: 

- Gawar Mud Wat
- Steven Gawar Tungwar

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the second episode of our program in Nuer, the local language spoken in Unity state in the area where Block 5A was located and where the alleged crimes were committed.

This trial is about justice for the survivors, and we hope this podcast will reach the people affected and shed light on the process and the latest developments in court.

Now in Nuer:

Pek in rɛwdɛ: Min nyooth thuɔ̱k
Nɛmɛ ɛ luk dui̱äri̱ köör Lundin, lääri̱ ti̱ ca la̱t ɛ Pak (PAX) kɛnɛ Gi̱löbal Aydia (Global Idea) kɛ kui̱c luɔ̱k dui̱äri̱ ti̱ gɔany kɛɛ cɛrkä liɛth ji̱ I̱thwi̱dɛn (Swedish) in cɔali̱ Lundin.

Kɛ jɛn ci̱o̱k ɛmɛ, bi̱ nɛy ruac kɛ kui̱c kä min ci̱ muktäp luɔ̱kni̱ jɛ lat kɛ ɣöö derɛ go̱o̱ny  ji̱ Thɔth Thuda̱n da̱a̱k kɛnɛ luk dui̱rä, kä dee nɔmɔ baŋ kiɛn kɛ jek cuŋä ya̱r i̱di̱?

Bi̱ jëk kɛ buɔ̱n ji̱ ruaacni̱ Thɔth Thuda̱n tëë ci̱ luk gui̱l kä I̱thtɔkɔlim (Stockholm) amäni̱ kuär ŋuɔ̱tni̱ (gaadhi̱) kɛnɛ ram in ci̱ thuɔ̱k kä ta̱a̱ in dee cuɔ̱ŋ raami̱ thiɛl dui̱är gaŋ kɛ jɛ. Kɔn bä ca̱kɔ guic ɛlɔ̱ŋ rɛy ca̱a̱pni̱ duël luɔ̱k kä buɔ̱n ga̱a̱ŋni̱ rɛy luɔ̱k, ci̱ nɛy tɛɛriɛn thɛm kɛ ta̱a̱ in ci̱ kɛnɛ riali̱kä i̱ dee kɛn kuëth luɔ̱k pën kɛ jɛ. Canɛ we kä tin pay tuɔɔk rɛy luɔ̱k dui̱äri̱ köör lundin.

Naath tëë te thi̱n:

• Ji̱ɔrji̱ Tay Kuɔny, Rami̱ laa ruac kɛ ta̱a̱ cuŋni̱ ran kä ɛ kuär ŋuɔ̱tni̱
• Pi̱tɔr Way, Rami̱ laa ruac kɛ ta̱a̱ cuŋni̱ ran kä ɛ kuär ŋuɔ̱tni̱
• Pa̱ni̱ Ɣölim,Rami̱ gɔ̱ɔ̱r kä Umia Yuni̱bo̱thi̱ti̱
• Andɛrɛth Ɛthjɔrgɛn, luek kä pilɛ̈nti̱p
• Ithabɛl Ithkultidh, Ɛ gɔ̱ɔ̱r mi̱di̱i̱t duel gɔ̱rä ŋuɔ̱tni̱ ciɛŋni̱ nath kä Lundi̱th Yuni̱bo̱thi̱ti̱
• Maykɔ̱l Ɛkman, Ram in cuum in di̱i̱t kä ga̱a̱ŋ cuŋni̱ ji̱ wec 

Ram in nyuur naath:

• Ɣalima Athumani̱

Luɔtdɛ
Lääri̱ lɛ kui̱c luɔ̱k dui̱äri̱ köör Lundin nöŋkɛ kɛ yiɛ ɛ Pak (PAX) kɛnɛ Gi̱löbal Aydia (Global Idea). Ɛn dit ɛ te rɛy ruac ɛmɛ ɛ dit tuerä ni̱ Kaŋ Jɛyjɛy kä caa riali̱kä ɛ Ruuth Bi̱or. Ram in lät jɛ kä rial jɛ i̱ kä ɛ Kajtha Thorman. Gui̱l unpaiddebt.org kɛ kui̱c laatni̱ ti̱ ŋuan kɛnɛ tin pay tuɔɔk kɛ kui̱c luɔ̱k ɛmɛ. Ɛn wi̱ni̱, bi̱ thiecni̱ tin ca thiec naath tin ci̱ rik jek kɛnɛ ji̱ ŋäcä we liŋ. Kuɛn jɔw ji̱ ŋäcä. Guic thurɛ gua̱th köör kä Lundin kä jek lääri̱ kɛ kui̱c kä min lot ruac ɛmɛ jɛ.

The First Witnesses

The trial has entered a new phase, marking a significant moment as the first South Sudanese witnesses take the stand. For several days, both the prosecution and defense teams have meticulously analyzed their testimonies, deconstructing the details of their statements.

Pastor James Dong Kuong Ninrew and Reverend Matthew Mattiang Deang were among the first to testify. Listen to their accounts of their courtroom experiences, shedding light on a very special moment in this trial.

Participants:

- James Dong Kuong Ninrew
- Matthew Mattiang Deang

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

The Defense Tactics

The defense has finished their presentations in court, and we all wonder: what is their strategy, and did they present any striking new evidence to prove their clients' innocence? 

In this episode, we delve into the courtroom tactics used by the defense team, examining their key arguments and how they aim to counter the prosecution. We'll also explore what this means for the ongoing trial and how these legal maneuvers could shape the outcome of this high-stakes case. 

With us to discuss we have Isabel Schoultz, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology of Law at Lunds University, who is studying the Lundin case and Mikael Ekman, senior legal adviser at Civil Rights Defenders.

Participants: 

- Isabel Schoultz, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology of Law at Lunds University

- Mikael Ekman, senior legal adviser at Civil Rights Defenders

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the first episode of our program in Nuer, the local language spoken in Unity state in the area where Block 5A was located and where the alleged crimes were committed.

Pek in nhiam: Ɛ luk tuɔkɛ

Nɛmɛ ɛ luk duäri̱ köör Lundin, thilɛmak mi̱ lɔthrɔ mi̱ la̱tkɛ ɛ Pak (PAX) kɛnɛ Gölöbal Mi̱dia (Global Media) kɛ kui̱c duäri̱ ti̱ ca la̱t ɛ cɛrkä liɛth Ithwidic (Swedish). Bööth cɛrkä kä da̱ŋ rɛw, Yan Lundin (Ian Lundin)  kɛnɛ Alɛ̈k Ithkɛniɛtɛr (Alex Schneiter) ka rɛy luɔ̱k kä Ithtɔkɔlim (Stockholm) kɛ kui̱c duäri̱ köör tëë ca la̱t kɛ Thuda̱n kɛ ruɔ̱n 1999 ɛ we kä 2003.

Ca naath ti̱ cop 200,000 woc dho̱ri̱ kiɛn kä kɛ naath ti̱ diɛwkɛ i̱ cop 12,000 ti̱ ci̱ tëkdiɛn bath. Bi̱ miric Ithwi̱dɛn kɛ nöŋ nhiam ŋutä?

Kɛ jɛn pek ɛmɛ, ba̱kɔ ji̱ nööŋ kɛ kɔ kɛɛl dueel miric. Bi̱ ruac nath tin tekɛ ŋäc liŋ kɛ kui̱c luɔ̱k amäni̱ tuk kä ta̱a̱ in ci̱ liɛth ɛ yärni̱ ko̱r rɛy Thuda̱n kä rɔa kɛnɛ ta̱a̱ in bɛ yärni̱ tëk nath kä Thɔth Thuda̱n.

Naath tin te gua̱th luɔ̱k

• Lɛbɛn Mörö, kuär kä Jubɛ Yunibo̱thi̱ti̱ kä ŋi̱i̱cɛ gua̱a̱th malä kɛnɛ cuɔ̱p. 
• Mari̱na Pi̱tɔr, ɛ jɛn took mat ji̱ Yurɔp kɛ kui̱c liɛth kä Thuda̱n mëë gɔ̱ɔ̱r läär in cɔali̱ "Ŋuäl ti̱ ka̱n pik."
• Mak Kɛlɛmbɛk, gɔ̱ɔ̱r indi̱i̱t duel gɔ̱rä ŋuɔ̱tni̱ kumɛ kä Ithtɔkɔlim Yuni̱bo̱thi̱ti̱.
• Mi̱kël Ɛkman, gääŋ cuŋni̱ ji̱ wec.

Ram in lot la̱tɛ: 

• Alima Athumani̱

Luɔtdɛ

Luk duäri̱ köör Lundin, thilɛmak mi̱ lɔthrɔ mi̱ nöŋkɛ ji̱ ɛ Pak (PAX) kɛnɛ Gölöbal Mi̱dia (Global Media). Dit in tekä thilɛmak ɛmɛ kɛtɛ pa̱na̱n ni̱ Kaŋ Jɛyjɛy kä ca riali̱kä ɛ Ruuth Bi̱o̱r. Ram in lätjɛ kɛnɛ ram in rialjɛ i̱ kä ɛ Kajtha Thörman. Wër kä unpaiddebt.org kɛ ɣöö bi̱ luɔtdɛ kɛnɛ lääri̱ jek kɛ kui̱c  luɔ̱k. Ɛn gua̱th ɛmɔ, bi̱ thiecni̱ ti̱ ŋuan ti̱ ca thiec naath tin ci̱ riɛk jek kɛnɛ naath tin ŋäc ŋɔak jek, kuɛn ruaacni̱ nath tin ŋäc ŋɔak, gui̱äcdiɛn kɛnɛ luɔt gua̱th ëë tuɔɔk riɛk thi̱n gua̱th i̱n ŋa̱th Lundin thi̱n kä bi̱i̱ luɔt ruac luɔ̱k ɛmɛ we jek.

The OMV Case and Rethinking CSR

Around the world, there are more and more cases involving companies' complicity in human rights abuses. In the Sudan operation, Lundin cooperated with two companies: Petronas of Malaysia and OMV from Austria. An Austrian NGO has just filed a complaint against OMV, accusing them of crimes in South Sudan together with Lundin. Much of the evidence presented in the complaint comes from the indictment against Lundin.

We have invited one of the lawyers who has helped prepare the case to give us the details of the process ahead. We will also discuss how legislation has changed and what effect this has on companies today. Are companies at greater risk of being prosecuted for operations today? And does this lead to multinational corporations taking more responsibility for the environmental and social effects of their operations?

Participants: 

- Astrid Reisinger Coracini, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in International Law who also serves on the Advisory Board of CEHRI – the Vienna based Centre for the Enforcement of Human Rights International, which prepared the complaint against OMV together with the Dutch peace organization PAX.

- Professor David Whyte, Director of the Centre for Climate Crime and Climate Justice at Queen Mary University of London. 

Host:  

- Halima Athumani

Background: 
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

Was the World Silent?

The defense is arguing that Lundins business in Sudan was accepted by the international community. The UN did not intervene, nor did the EU. Is that true? Was the world silent? 

We decided to take a closer look at who spoke out to stop the atrocities and who kept quiet. We also discuss how the different actors are responding today in the current civil war that is tearing Sudan apart. 

Participants: 

- Nicholas Coghlan, ex Canadian diplomat who has served both in Sudan and in South Sudan, author of two books about his experiences from that time Far in the Waste Sudan and Collapse of a Country: A Diplomat’s Memoir of South Sudan

- Marina Peter, founder of the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan, that published the report, Unpaid Debt

Host:  
- Halima Athumani

Background: 
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

Is the System Broken?

There are a number of international binding and non-binding conventions put in place to protect victims of war crimes, but to what extent is the international community living up to its obligations?

In this episode, we discuss how the legal system is failing victims and how to fix it. You will also get the latest updates from the trial.

With us to discuss this we have the lawyer Anders Sjögren, who, as a legal counsel, represents half of the plaintiffs in the Lundin war crimes case. Also Fanny Holm, whose research focuses on the legal framework for states to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, as well as the legal means available for providing reparations to victims of those crimes.

Participants:
- Fanny Holm, researcher at Umeå University
- Anders Sjögren, plaintiff’s counsel

Host:  
- Halima Athumani

Background: 
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

The Victims Left with Nothing

There have been major developments in the trial.

On November 22, 2023, the court decided to separate the South Sudanese plaintiff's claims for compensation from the war crimes trial. Instead, the victims will have to start separate civil cases that require them to deposit 45 000 euros each.

The court argues that the claims for compensation were handed in too late and that the power of attorneys is still missing.

What will this mean for the victims?

In this episode, meet George and Peter, South Sudanese activists who have attended the court hearings. They will share their views on the trial and the latest developments.

Participants: 
- George Tai Kuony, human rights activist and lawyer
- Peter Wai, human rights activist and lawyer

Host:  
- Halima Athumani

Background: 
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

It's a Family Affair

Who are the men behind the Lundin oil consortium-  and what happened with the profit from the oil endeavors in Sudan? 

The Lundin family business has been handed over to the third generation as the company is trying to rebrand itself, focusing on green energy.

How will a conviction affect them and how do they deal with having “war crime” stuck to their name?

Participants:
- Emanuel Sidea, Swedish journalist who has been reporting on the family since 2011.

- Phil Clarke, former executive director for Doctors Without Borders (Denmark) and author to the report Justifying Blood Money.

Host: 
- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the fifth episode of our program in Nuer, the local language spoken in Unity State in the area where Block 5A was located and where the alleged crimes were committed. 

This trial is about justice for the survivors, and we hope this podcast will reach the people affected and shed light on the process and the latest developments in court.

Now in Nuer:

Tethti̱möni̱ ti̱ bä rɛydɛ: Kä La̱a̱t Lundin

Lundin cɛ lar kɛ gua̱a̱th mi bäär ɛn ɣöö lätkiɛn nööŋkɛ lät kɛnɛ luäk kä nɛy tin cieŋ ɛn wa̱nɔ. Duundɛ ɣöö ɛŋu mi dee nɛy tëë wal ɛ lar?

Rɛy ruac ɛn walɛ, bia röm kɛ Simon Sudan kɛnɛ Andrew Jagei tëë lät kä Lundin kɛ gua̱a̱th ëë caa kɛ kuëŋ thi̱n. Bi̱ kɛn cärkiɛn nyuak kɛ min ci̱ kɛn ɛ nɛn kɛ kui̱i̱ matdä cɛrikakä kɛnɛ lathkëëri̱ - kɛnɛ min, mi̱ tëë kɛ, mi̱ ci̱ Lundin ɛ nööŋ rɛy wec.

Nɛy tin tee rɛydɛ: 

• Andrew Jagei̱
• Simon Sudan

Ram ni  nyuor Nääth: 

•  Halima Athumani

Jok kä duɔr:
Liɛŋ yɛn nä liari kɛ kuiy khori chiɛŋni Lundin mi noŋkɛ yee ɛ PAX kɛnɛ Global Idea kɛ thuomdɛ ɛliar e mɛɛ lat ɛ Balaŋ ni JJ Kang. Ram mi latjɛ  ɛ Roos Boer. Rami noŋjɛ yiɛɛ kɛnɛ rami guiejɛ lieer coalje Sara Hadfy Högström. Guilɛ ka unpaiddebt.org mä guouri ŋääc mi röŋ ka lieŋni kök lieer kɛ lääri tin päy töɔk kɛ kuiy luök Ɛn wi̱ni̱, jiak ruacni ti ŋuan liŋ kɛ kui̱ nɛɛni tin ca näk kɛnɛ nɛy tin ŋäc ŋɔak, jiäk ruacni tin ca lat ɛ nɛy tin ŋäc ŋɔak kuɛn, jiäkni duop mi ca lat kɛ kuic köör guic rɛy gua̱th in ca lar ɛ Lundin, kä deri ruacni tin ca lat kɛ kuic rikni jek.

How to Build a Case

The trial moves on, and piece by piece, the prosecutors are building their case. Internal reports, security logs, meetings between the company and representatives from the Sudanese government, as well as reports from human rights organizations, are being used as pieces in the prosecutor's big puzzle.

To help us navigate through all the different reports, we invited Mikael Ekman, Senior Legal Adviser at the organization Civil Rights Defenders, who has been following the trial on a day-to-day basis. Listen to his description of the courtroom and what he thinks are the most striking pieces of evidence so far.

Civil Rights Defenders' reports from the trial can be found here.

Participants:
Mikael Ekman, Civil Rights Defenders

Host:  
Halima Athumani

Background:

This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

The Hope For Justice

Sarah Simon was 10 years old when the war came to Unity-state and changed her life forever. Now she lives in Kenya but she is dreaming of one day moving back to her hometown Leer. In this episode she tells us her family's history, how the tragic events in the area scattered the Nuer-community and why she thinks this trial is important for getting justice. You will also get the headlines from the first week of court proceedings. 

Participant:
Sarah Simon, survivor from Unity state, based in Kenya

Host:  
Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

And so the Trial Begins

In the morning of 5th September 2023 there is a queue outside Stockholm District Court. Journalists from Sweden and abroad gathered to follow the longest trial in Swedish history. Two former executives of a Swedish Oil company, Ian Lundin and Alex Scheinter,  stand trial for war crimes committed in South Sudan over 20 years ago. Listen to a summary from the courtroom and hear Mark Klamberg, Professor in Public International Law at Stockholm University explain the legal details of the case.

Participants:
Mark Klamberg, Professor in Public International Law at Stockholm University

Host:  
Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

How it All Started

In the first episode of the Lundin War Crimes Trial, we meet two experts who take us back to when it all began. What was the connection between oil and the war in Sudan? How did Lundin’s search for oil affect the people who lived in the area and how did the world react to the crimes that were committed?

Participants:
•    Dr Leben Moro, Director of Planning, Innovation and Quality Assurance at the University of Juba.
•    Marina Peter, the founder of the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan, the network that stood behind the Unpaid Debt report.

Host: 
•    Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, that is brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, a podcast series produced by PAX and Global Idé about the case against the Swedish company Lundin, that has been charged with complicity in war crimes in South Sudan from 1999 to 2003.

Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes and an estimated 12 000 people lost their lives.

Can a Swedish court bring them justice?

Resources on unpaiddebt.org:

•  Read the report: Unpaid Debt, 
• Read more about the actors in the conflict, 
• Look at the map to uncover where the crimes were committed, 
• Read more about the Lundin concortsium, 
• More reports and background

 Who are we:
The European Coalition on Oil in Sudan (ECOS) was established in 2001, following a call from Sudanese churches and civil society to end the oil war. ECOS called upon oil companies to suspend their operations in Sudan until the war would be over and the conditions would allow that oil exploitation to benefitted the country. Between 2001 and 2012, ECOS represented over 50 European organisations and carried out research and advocacy on oil in Sudan on their behalf. The coalition produced a dozen studies and advocated with governments and the business sector to promote that Sudan’s oil wealth would contribute to peace and prosperity. One of them is Unpaid Debt.

When Sudan and South Sudan separated in 2011, the priorities of the members of ECOS shifted and ECOS gradually ceased to function. The Dutch peace movement PAX has since then followed the case closely together with the Swedish NGO and think tank Global Idé.

Find more information here.

Before Bol Maker's testimony in court in 2024, an audio clip is played. It's a threat directed at every witness in the trial against Lundin Oil: "We are going to assassinate you one by one."

In today's episode, we are joined by Anna Roxvall and Carolina Jemsby, the two renowned journalists behind the investigative documentary "Lundinfallet - Tysta alla vittnen" at Kalla fakta, TV4. 

In their documentary, published on March 20th, they uncover evidence of witness tampering in the ongoing Lundin trial. They reveal serious threats and violence faced by key witnesses, shedding a light on the dangerous repercussions of speaking out in this high-stakes case and highlighting the courage of those who have chosen to testify.

Participants: 

- Anna Roxvall, Journalist and Editor in Chief at Myteri publishing
- Carolina Jemsby, Journalist at Kalla fakta TV4 

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by PaX and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Sara Hadfy Högström. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

The Defendants - Ian Lundin

In today's episode we are joined by two experts who are closely following the trial: Ebony Wade, Legal Adviser at Civil Rights Defenders and Martin Schibbye, Journalist and Editor in Chief at Blankspot.

The trial has now reached a critical stage, with the defendants – Ian Lundin and Alex Schneiter – being questioned.

We’ll listen to exclusive recordings from Ian Lundin’s interrogation and hear Ebony and Martin’s sharp observations and reflections after 12 intense days in the courtroom.

Participants: 

- Ebony Wade, Legal Adviser at Civil Rights Defenders.
- Martin Schibbye, Journalist and Editor in Chief at Blankspot. 

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by PaX and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Sara Hadfy Högström. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the fourth episode of our program in Nuer, the local language spoken in Unity State in the area where Block 5A was located and where the alleged crimes were committed. 

This trial is about justice for the survivors, and we hope this podcast will reach the people affected and shed light on the process and the latest developments in court.

Now in Nuer:

Gat tin la dëc: Kä nɛy tin tɔatni tëë ca näk rɛy köör

ɛnɛ mɛ ɛthiecni kɛ kuiy jiäkni khor Lundin, lääri tin ca lat ɛ PAX kɛnɛ Global Idea kɛ kuiy jiäkni tëë a lat ɛ swedish shirkä liɛth Lundin.

Gaat tin ci piɛth rey khor, ci kɛ teäy chuoya ɛloŋ, ɛn khor Thudan cɛ rodɛ luot. Gaat tin tiɛni tin tɛɛ ruon daŋ bakel ɛ wa kä ruon barɔw ca ke käp khor kɛ boom. Ca kɛ käpp chiɛŋni kä ca kɛ nyuoth chieŋ ti jiɛkjiɛek. Kä ŋuaän kiɛn ca kɛ naŋ khor kɛ buom.

ɛn walɛ bänɛ lirai liɛŋ ka Gäät daŋ rew tëë ci kon la dacni, kɛ lät luck ka banɛ ruac kɛl kɛ täck ɛn wiɛkɛ luck jiäkni nhiam.

Nɛy tin tee rɛydɛ

• Gawär Mut Wat, lat louk
• Steven Gawär Tunguär, lat louk
• Kajsa Sörman ran lari, kä Global Idea

Ram ni nyuor Nääth 

•  Halima Athumani

Jok kä duɔr

Liɛŋ yɛn nä liari kɛ kuiy khori chiɛŋni Lundin mi noŋkɛ yee ɛ PAX  kɛnɛ Global Idea kɛ thuomdɛ ɛliar e mɛɛ lat ɛ balaŋ ni JJ Kang. Ram mi latjɛ  ɛ Roos Boer. Rami noŋjɛ yiɛɛ kɛnɛ rami guiejɛ lieer coalje Sara Hadfy Högström. Guilɛ ka unpaiddebt.org mä guouri ŋääc mi röŋ ka lieŋni kök lieer kɛ lääri tin päy töɔk kɛ kuiy luök ɛn wi̱ni̱, jiak ruacni ti ŋuan liŋ kɛ kui̱ nɛɛni tin ca näk kɛnɛ nɛy tin ŋäc ŋɔak, jiäk ruacni tin ca lat ɛ nɛy tin ŋäc ŋɔak kuɛn, jiäkni duop mi ca lat kɛ kuic köör guic rɛy guath in ca lar ɛ Lundin, kä deri ruacni tin ca lat kɛ kuic rikni jek.

Nuer and the Oil

In today’s episode, Sharon E. Hutchinson and James Ninrew Dong share their memories and impressions of the very first oil discoveries in Unity State. Reflecting on these events, they explore what has transpired since then.

What impact has the oil industry had on the land and people of Unity State? What consequences is the community still grappling with today?

Participants: 

- James Nirew Dong, Reverend with Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, Secretary General of Liech Victim Voice: a community organization advocating for victims in the oil areas, founder of Assistance Mission for Africa and a plaintiff in the trial.
- Sharon E. Hutchinson, anthropologist and scholar, author of the book "Nuer Dilemmas: Coping with Money, War and the State" founder of the publishing company South Sudan Cultural Productions - as well as a new website - www.nuerdilemmas.com 

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by PaX and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Sara Hadfy Högström. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

The Nuer Way of Life

Join renowned anthropologist Sharon E. Hutchinson and Chuol Ruei Deng as they delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Nuer people.

In this episode, they explore the Nuer’s traditions, culture, and social structures.

How well has the Nuer community been understood in the court case, and how have the oil endeavors in Unity State challenged and changed their unique way of life?

Tune in for a compelling conversation that bridges anthropology and lived experience!
 
 Participants: 

– Sharon E. Hutchinson, anthropologist and scholar, author of the book "Nuer Dilemmas: Coping with Money, War, and the State" founder of the publishing company South Sudan Cultural Productions–as well as a new website–www.nuerdilemmas.com

– Chuol Ruei Deng, founder of non-profit educational organization to promote knowledge of, and education in the Nuer language "Thok Nath Research Institute" as well as "Bangtigow Foundation" to support young Nuer people in the diaspora.
 
 Host:

– Halima Athumani
 
 Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

Testimonies from Within: The Lundin Employees
 
Lundin has long claimed that their operations brought jobs and benefits to the local community. But what do former employees have to say?

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Simon Sudan and Andrew Jagei who both worked for Lundin during the period of the alleged crimes. They’ll share their perspectives on what they saw regarding the company’s cooperation with the military—and what, if any, development Lundin actually brought to the community.

Participants: 

- Andrew Jagei
 - Simon Sudan

Host:

- Halima Athumani

Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by PaX and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.

This is the third episode of our program in Nuer, the local language spoken in Unity state, in the area where Block 5A was located and where the alleged crimes were committed. This trial is about justice for the survivors, and we hope this podcast will reach the people affected and shed light on the process and the latest developments in court.

Now in Nuer:

Ci̱o̱kä di̱ɔ̱k: Naath tin nhiam tëë ŋäc min ci̱ tuɔɔk

Nɛmɛ ɛ luk kɛ kui̱c dueri̱ köör Lundin, lääri̱ ti̱ lɔthrɔ̱ ti̱ caa riali̱kä ɛ Pak (PAX)  kɛnɛ Gi̱löbal Aydia (Global Idea) kɛ kui̱c luɔ̱k mi̱ gɔanykɛ cɛrkä liɛth Ithwidɛn min cɔali̱ Lundin.

Kɛ jɛn rɛy ci̱o̱kä nɛmɛ, banɛ jëk kɛ naath tin nhiam tëë ŋäc min ci̱ tuɔɔk tin ci̱ we gua̱a̱th luaak luɔ̱k kä Ithtɔkɔlim kɛ ɣöö baa ŋäcdiɛn we lat kɛ kui̱c kä mëë ci̱ tuɔɔk kam ruɔ̱n 1999 kɛnɛ 2003 kä Bɔlɔk  5A. Bi̱ nɛy ruac kɛ ta̱a̱ in dee luak luɔ̱k naath luäk kɛ jek cuŋä, kɛ  tin caa la̱t ɛ cɛrkä liɛth rɛy köör amäni̱ ta̱a̱ in dee dhɔr Nuäärä mi̱ gɔaa jek ɛn wa̱nɛ kä Ithwidɛn.

Naath tin te thi̱n:

• Pi̱tɔr Ri̱ŋ Patay
• Thomɛth Malual Kap
• Mathi̱w Mathi̱a̱ŋ Dɛ̈ɛ̈ŋ

Ram in Nyuur naath:

Ɣali̱ma Athumäni̱

Luɔtdɛ:

Laat luɔ̱k kɛ kui̱c dui̱äri̱ köör tëë caa la̱t ɛ Lundin nöŋkɛ kɛ yiɛ ɛ Pak (PAX)  kɛnɛ Gi̱löbal Aydia (Global Idea). Dit ɛ pälɔ ɛ di̱t Kaŋ Jɛyjɛy kä caa riali̱kä ɛ Ruuth Bi̱o̱r. Ram in lät nɛmɛ ɛ Kajtha Thörma̱n. Gui̱l unpaiddebt.org kɛ kui̱c kä min lot nɛmɛjɛ kɛnɛ lääri̱ ti̱ ŋuan. Ɛn gua̱a̱th ɛmɔ bi̱i̱ ruaacni̱ ti̱ ŋuan we jek kɛ kui̱c ruac ɛmɛ kä naath tëë caa rik jek kɛnɛ gɔ̱a̱a̱r, bi̱i̱ ri̱ät gɔ̱a̱ri̱ we kuɛn kɛnɛ thurɛ gua̱th ëë tuɔk riɛk thi̱n ɛla gua̱a̱th ëë lät Lundi̱n thi̱n kä bi̱ lääri̱ ti̱ ŋuan we jek kɛ min lot ruac ɛmɛ jɛ.