Juba, South Sudan,
June 28, 2021 – South Sudan has been dragged to the East African Court of Justice over oil waste mismanagement that has caused unprecedented health damages to the environment of oil-producing communities at their inhabitants.
Hope for Humanity Africa, a rights organization representing the affected communities and the South Sudan government will be allowed by the First Instance Division to find a solution through mediated talks commencing in July.
HHA took South Sudan to court for alleged oil spills, caused by leaking oil pipelines, a situation that led to many babies born with birth defects, deaths, and livestock destruction.
According to a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, a lawyer representing South Sudan’s Minister of Justice asked the court to attempt settlement through mediation where a judge will preside over the mediation attempt.
It says, in turn, the applicant withdrew two suits. The first attempts to stop South Sudan from carrying out oil exploration while the hearing is ongoing, the second attempts to provide safety for the lawyers involved.
South Sudan launched a licensing round this week, offering five blocks. The government has stakes in production through Nilepet.
Justin Semuyaba and Wani Santino Jada represented the applicant. Bong Pieng Kuol acted for South Sudan.
The case was filed in the East African court in April 2020. This aimed to halt production and secure compensation for communities that had suffered from pollution.
Speaking to Energy Voice last year, Jada said Greater Pioneer Operating Co. (GPOC) and Dar Petroleum should carry out environmental remediation. Furthermore, the lawyer said the companies should replace the export pipeline as it was the cause of a number of spills.
Jada had put the claim for damages caused at $720 million.
