Lundin War Crimes Trial

In this episode, we turn our attention to the cross-examination of the trial’s second defendant — Alexandre Schneiter, Vice President of Exploration, COO, and later CEO of Lundin Energy.

Often described as the golden boy of the Lundin company, Schneiter built his reputation on discovering oil in places no one else could. 

What exactly are the prosecutors accusing him of — and how does he defend himself? Join us as we explore the details of his testimony, the prosecution’s strategy, and the defense’s counterarguments.

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 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 seventh 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: 

Nuëri kɛnɛ Ɣɔyɔl

Rɛy kä min ca lat ɛn walɛ, Sharon E. Hutchinthɔn kɛnɛ James Ninrew Dong nyuak kɛn ti̱ ci̱ kɛn kɛ tim kɛnɛ tin ci̱ kɛn kɛ jek kɛ nhiam mëë caa ɣöyɔl jiek rɛy Unity State. Mi̱ ca kɛ car kɛ kui̱ kä ti̱ti̱, la kɛn min ci̱ tuɔɔk ni̱ wal ɛ guic.

Ɛŋu mi ci tuɔɔk kä wec kɛnɛ naath kä Unity State? Ɛŋu mi ci tuɔɔk mi ŋot kɛ mi kööŋ naath kɛ jɛ ɛn walɛ?

Nɛy tin te rɛydɛ: 

•  James Ninrew Dong, Reverend kɛ Duel Kuɔth Prɛthbi̱terian kä Thɔth Thudan, ɛ kuäär in di̱i̱t kä Liech Victim Voice: ɛ buɔ̱n nath mi̱ ruac kɛ kui̱ nɛɛni̱ tin ca ya̱r rɛy gua̱thni̱ tin tekɛ ɣöyɔl, ɛ jɛn ram ëë cak Assistance Mission for Africa kä ɛ jɛn ram ëë gɔ̱ɔ̱r ruac rɛy luɔ̱k
• Sharon E. Hutchinthɔn, ɛ anthrɔpölöji̱th kä gɔ̱ɔ̱r buɔk mi̱ cɔali̱ "Nuer Dilemmas: Coping with Money, War and the State" ram ëë cak cɛrika in ka̱mkɛ buɔkni̱ raar South Sudan Cultural Productions - amäni gua̱a̱th in pay ben - www.nuerdilemmas.com

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.

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 credibility of the defense's position and explore whether, in light of the available facts, it is even reasonable to cast doubt on the occurrence of war crimes.

Participants: 

- Douglas H. Johnson, Historian, Sudan and South Sudan expert
- Johan Brosché, Associate Professor in Peace and Conflict Research

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.

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.

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.

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 Ninrew 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.