Talisman Energy's operations in Sudan are
coming under more scrutiny. The Calgary-based oil company is being
sued by an organization called the American Anti-Slavery Group.
The group alleges Talisman is violating international law by
associating with a country accused of human rights abuses.
The group's lawyers allege Talisman has taken sides in Sudan's
18-year-old civil war by financing the Islamic government's
crackdown against non-Muslim rebels in the south. Bolstered by the
support of American lobby groups, they've launched this suit on
behalf of southern Sudanese caught in the crossfire.
Talisman bought a 25 per cent stake in Sudan's oil project three
years ago. In exchange, the Sudanese army provides security around
the project, guarding the pipelines from rebel attacks.
The suit calls it an unholy alliance, alleging Talisman has
allowed the army to use its roads and airstrips to escalate attacks
on villagers living around the concession. The suit claims in an
effort to protect its oil fields, Talisman is aiding and abetting
the government in a strategy of ethnic cleansing.
Talisman has always denied
it's played a role in the civil war and says it's been a positive
presence in the country, building water wells and a health clinic.
Written by CBC News Online staff
