One of the most striking aspects of the Lundin trial so far is one of the defense's core arguments: questioning whether war crimes occurred at all in the area where the company operated. Yet, to date, the court has seen little substantial evidence to support this claim. In today’s episode, we’re joined by two leading experts who have both testified during the trial — historian Douglas Johnson and peace and conflict researcher Associate Professor Johan Brosché. Together, they examine the credibil...
Jul 06, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 u...
Jun 06, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 ciɛɛŋ...
Jun 06, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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. D...
May 13, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 tr...
Mar 24, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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...
Feb 21, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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...
Feb 06, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 Ninrew Dong, Reverend with Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, Secretary General of Liech Victim Vo...
Jan 11, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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! Participan...
Nov 29, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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. Participant...
Nov 11, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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...
Oct 16, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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...
Sep 23, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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 l...
Jul 22, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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....
Jul 18, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 t...
Jun 14, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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) ...
May 31, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 pr...
May 21, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 S...
Mar 28, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 cri...
Feb 14, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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, ...
Jan 08, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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...
Dec 11, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 ...
Oct 20, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 s...
Sep 12, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 det...
Sep 05, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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...
Aug 30, 2023•30 min
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 ...
Aug 29, 2023•4 min•Season 1Ep. 1
