E19: Questioning History: A Lundin Defence Tactic

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 ResearchHost:- Halima AthumaniBackground: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 NuëriMatdɛ 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.comChuol 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 AthumaniJok kä duɔrLiɛŋ 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.

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 IdéHost:- Halima AthumaniBackground: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 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 LundinLundin 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 Jagei̱Simon SudanRam ni  nyuor Nääth:  Halima AthumaniJok 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 AthumaniBackground: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 LundinIn 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 AthumaniBackground: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 köörɛnɛ 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 rɛydɛGawär Mut Wat, lat loukSteven Gawär Tunguär, lat loukKajsa Sörman ran lari, kä Global IdeaRam ni nyuor Nääth  Halima AthumaniJok kä duɔrLiɛŋ 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 OilIn 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 AthumaniBackground: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 LifeJoin 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 SudanHost:- Halima AthumaniBackground: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.