Historic South Sudan war crimes trial wraps up in Sweden
Authors: Michael Daniel | Koang Pal Chang | Published: 1 hour ago
South Sudanese plaintiffs Ruth Nyaleel (left) and Pastor James Kuong Ninrew stand outside the Stockholm District Court following the conclusion of the three-year Lundin war crimes trial. Both traveled to Sweden to testify regarding human rights violations in Block 5A. (Courtesy of Ruth Nyaleel/Eye Radio)
The historic Lundin war crimes trial in Sweden has officially wrapped up on Thursday May 28, after three exhausting years and 346 days of hearings.
According to Blankspot reports, former oil executives Ian Lundin and Alexandre Schneiter face charges of aiding and abetting war crimes in South Sudan’s Block 5A between 1999 and 2003.
Now, the defense is demanding an unprecedented 819 million Swedish Kronor—about 77 million US dollars—in compensation from the Swedish state if the court acquits the executives.
For South Sudanese plaintiffs who traveled to Stockholm to testify, this trial represents a long-awaited demand for accountability.
Inside the Stockholm District Court, the defense presented massive bills covering international lawyers, experts, bodyguards, and luxury hotel stays.
Ian Lundin’s personal claim alone totals 267 million Swedish Kronor —about $25 million USD.
Remarkably, the total defense bill now exceeds the 740 million Swedish Kronor —about $70 million USD that Lundin Oil originally made when it sold its South Sudan oil concession in 2003.
But for the survivors of the violence in Unity State, the true cost cannot be measured in money.
Pastor James Ninrew, who testified about fleeing burning villages, says their presence in court sends a powerful message to corporate actors.
“For a long time, the company thought we wouldn’t get here. But I came and I testified. It shows that even if you commit crimes in Africa, your actions will be judged when you return home,” Pastor Ninrew said.
As the trial ends, plaintiff Ruth Nyaleel notes the painful contrast between the company’s financial demands and the human toll of the conflict.
“It is regrettable that while costs can be calculated, the pain and suffering this company has caused in our lives cannot be measured,” Ruth said.
The prosecution will respond to the defense’s cost claims on August 25, and the court will deliver its final verdict on December 3.