In a powerful new program, South Sudanese Church leader Rt. Rev. James Ninrew Dong and Sharon E. Hutchinson share their reflections on the first oil discoveries in Unity State and the profound impact these events have had on the land and people of the region. Through their personal memories, they explore the deep-rooted consequences of the oil industry, which continues to affect communities today.
The episode delves into the tragic legacy of oil exploration, focusing on the Lundin War Crimes Trial. This groundbreaking case, brought to the public by Pax and Global Idé, highlights the alleged atrocities committed by oil companies operating in South Sudan, with the involvement of the Swedish oil company Lundin Petroleum.
James Ninrew Dong, a Reverend with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, Secretary General of the Liech Victim Voice (a community organization advocating for victims in the oil areas), and founder of Assistance Mission for Africa, is also a plaintiff in the Lundin trial. He brings firsthand knowledge of the devastating effects of the oil industry on the local communities, having witnessed the damage caused by oil extraction in Unity State.
Sharon E. Hutchinson, a prominent anthropologist and scholar, is the author of the influential book “Nuer Dilemmas: Coping with Money, War, and the State”. She is also the founder of South Sudan Cultural Productions and a key advocate for documenting the cultural and historical impact of South Sudan’s complex relationship with oil. Her insights provide a comprehensive understanding of how the oil industry has shaped the social and political landscape of the Nuer people.
The podcast, produced and edited by Sara Hadfy Högström with music by artist JJ Kang and sound editing by Roos Boer, offers listeners an in-depth look at the ongoing legal battle and the legacy of suffering in the oil-rich regions of South Sudan. It also features interviews with victims, expert analysis, and an interactive map that tracks attacks in Lundin’s concession area.
Visit unpaiddebt.org for more information and updates on the trial. There, you can listen to additional interviews with victims and experts, access background information on the case, and explore an interactive map detailing the attacks in the oil concession areas.
