ECOS is pleading for a straightforward fee-for-service model, and urges the parties to resolve the oil industry’s painful legacies, including environmental degradation and damages to the communities in the oil areas during and after the war.

Article published by Le Monde on the role of Lundin Petrouleum in Sudan - in French

As north and south Sudan prepare to start talks next week on how to divide and fairly manage their oil wealth -- a vital revenue source and a cause of mistrust -- analysts say cooperation, not conflict, may prevail.

Dividing up Sudan’s oil industry between north and south is emerging as a challenge akin to separating conjoined twins, a fact that has heavily invested Chinese interests uneasy as the country prepares to split.

Negotiations for Sudan’s future after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement started in earnest on 23 June 2010 with the signing of an MOU by the NCP and SPLM that lays down the modalities for resolving post-referendum issues and arrangements. This document identifies key issues affecting the petroleum industry that will emerge during the post-referendum negotiations. It points out the crucial factors and makes recommendations with a view to unleashing Sudan’s oil industry potential to contribute to peace and equitable development. It is meant to inform the wider public and discussions in the Working Group on Financial and Economic Issues & Natural Resources.

On 6 July, negotiations for post-referendum arrangements started in Khartoum. Finance play a key role in these negotiations. Sudan’s substantial oil industry is the dominant money-maker for the country’s two governments and to split it up will be an extremely complex and sensitive operation. The significant wealth that oil generates is equally important to both parties and if they agree on a mutually satisfactory formula, oil could be the foundation for a peaceful future. The time is now ripe to seize the opportunity to make the country’s natural resources benefit the people.
This report presents an overview of facts and trends in Sudan’s petroleum industry and highlights key challenges for the coming period.

ECOS' response to Dagens Nyheter's editorial "Fluffy Allegations". ECOS comments the editorial made several important points, but it fell short of providing an accurate account of the report’s content.

The Swedish Public Prosecutor confirmed that a preliminary criminal investigation has been opened into alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law in Sudan during the years 1997 - 2003. ECOS calls on the Swedish, Austrian and Malaysian Governments to ensure appropriate compensation for victims.

ECOS' reaction to the letter of Lundin Petroleum to its shareholders, reiterating the report UNPAID DEBT contains critical new evidence to support our position that Lundin, Petronas and OMV have violated norms of international law in Sudan.

غير لدين المدفوع
إرث لوندين و بيتروناس و OMV
في السودان ٢٠٠٣ - ١٩٩٧

The report 'Unpaid Debt: The Legacy of Lundin, Petronas and OMV in Block 5A, Sudan 1997-2003' - Englilsh version, was first published by ECOS in June 2010.