The negotiations to settle Sudan’s divorce are underway. Being focused on finances and the economy, these negotiations are unlikely to produce a truly comprehensive agreement. Instead, some of the thorny issues may not be settled before 9 July, while others are likely to be ignored all together. The right to compensation for victims of oil contracts is one of these.

Report on the 2-day conference 'Sudan's Oil Industry after the Referendum' held in Juba, December 2010.It contains recommendations with regards to the post-referendum arrangements, petroleum policy, company-community relations, compensation, transparency, security, land rights and the environment.

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.