U.S snubs South Sudan’s report on death of journalist

April 2, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The U.S State Department has said South Sudan’s recent report on the death of journalist Christopher Allen does not address in a comprehensive manner all the factors that led his death or the disrespectful treatment of his remains.

Last month, South Sudan government announced the outcome of a long overdue investigation into the August 26, 2017 death of Allen, a dual U.S. and UK citizen shot and killed while covering the conflict in South Sudan.

“We renew our call on the transitional government to conduct a credible investigation into Mr. Allen’s death and to demonstrate the political will to take accountability seriously,” Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S State Department said in a statement.

Last month, South Sudan said Allen was ” killed as a result of crossfire” while covering the civil war in Kaya, a town at the border with Uganda.

The Juba government, however, said it had no hand in the death of the deceased freelance journalist.

Currently, the young nation ranks 118th out of 180 countries on RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index.

(ST)