Civil Society Coalition calls for speedy trial of Lundin oil firm over war crimes in Unity State, South Sudan
Nile Petroleum – Nile Petroleum Corporation | The National Oil & Gas Company of South Sudan
Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) calls for the speedy trial of two former Lundin oil firm executives, Ian Lundin and Alex Schneiter, charged with complicity in war crimes committed in Unity State, South Sudan, between 1997 and 2003.
By PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd.
Wednesday, 06 September 2023 (PW) — South Sudan, a nation marred by conflict and political instability, has long been a battleground for international oil consortiums. These conglomerates, including notable players from China, Malaysia, India, and Lundin Energy, have contributed to environmental problems and human loss in the region, shedding light on the devastating consequences of their exploitative practices.
Recent headlines have brought attention to the trial of two former executives, Ian Lundin and Alex Schneiter, charged with complicity in war crimes committed in Unity State of Sudan between 1997 and 2003. Lundin Energy Company, formerly known as Lundin Oil, obtained a concession to explore and produce oil in Block 5 A in 1996. Their alleged involvement in asking the Sudanese government to secure their operations led to a grim series of events, including aerial bombings, civilian casualties, and the burning of entire villages.
While Lundin Energy Company has denied these allegations, the Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) argues that the company was well aware of the risks involved and willfully accepted them. CSCNR contends that the charges of conspiracy to commit war crimes are insufficient, given the scale of suffering endured by the people of Liech County, where atrocities included rape, murder, torture, forced conscription, and mass displacement.
The CSCNR further calls for justice and compensation for the estimated 12,000 people killed and over 200,000 displaced in Liech County during this period. They urge the Government of South Sudan to cooperate diplomatically to ensure justice is served for the victims.
As the trial unfolds, the CSCNR calls on Swedish authorities to provide a safe environment for witnesses to testify. Additionally, they call on the Government of South Sudan to extend diplomatic cooperation to ensure justice prevails. The CSCNR pledges to continue providing updates to victims and their families throughout the trial.
However, Lundin Energy Company’s actions are not isolated incidents. South Sudan’s oil industry has long been dominated by international oil consortiums, with the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, the Dar Petroleum Operating Company, and the Sudd Petroleum Operating Company taking center stage. These consortiums involve major players like China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Petronas of Malaysia, India’s ONGC Videsh, and others.
The Asian national oil companies, including CNPC, Petronas, and ONGC Videsh, have largely controlled South Sudan’s upstream energy operations. The oil industry’s domination by these international players raises questions about their impact on the nation’s environment and people.
Nilepet, South Sudan’s national oil company, holds stakes in these consortiums and plays a pivotal role in the country’s oil sector. The company represents the state’s interests in upstream activities and is actively involved in the downstream industry, regulating fuel imports, distribution, and storage.
Despite its vital role, Nilepet’s involvement in the consortiums has not mitigated the environmental and humanitarian consequences of the oil industry. South Sudanese communities continue to face displacement, violence, and ecological degradation as a result of oil exploitation.
The Dar Petroleum Operating Company, a consortium consisting of CNPC, Petronas, Nilepet, SINOPEC, and Tri-Ocean Energy, is one of the major players in South Sudan’s oil sector. It has a significant production capacity and has announced new oil discoveries, but its operations are not without concerns, including the quality of the crude it produces.
Similarly, the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company (GPOC), with CNPC, Petronas, ONGC Videsh, and Nilepet as its constituents, has faced violence in the oil-rich Unity Field region. While production has restarted, the area remains a hotspot of conflict and human suffering.
Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC), operating Block 5A, has also experienced fluctuations in production and has only recently recommenced its corporate social responsibility activities in the region.
In conclusion, the trial of Lundin Energy Company executives highlights the deep-rooted issues in South Sudan’s oil industry. Greedy international oil consortiums, in their pursuit of profit, have contributed to the nation’s environmental degradation and human suffering. Exploiting South Sudan’s resources demands greater scrutiny and accountability to ensure a more sustainable and humane future for its people and the environment.
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