By William Madouk Garang
The United States government has reignited its call to the government of South Sudan to; investigate, arrest and prosecute the alleged killer of journalist Christopher Allen.
Allen, a British- American reporter was shot on the front line while covering clashes between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces – formerly known as SPLA and Sudan people’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) on August 26, 2017.
At the time of his death, Allen was covering a rebel offensive in the southern town of Kaya in Central Equatoria State, situated on the South Sudan border with Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
In his fifth anniversary, America yet again calls on government of South Sudan to carry out a reliable investigation on late Allen’s death and share finding with his immediate family.
“The U.S Embassy renews its calls to the government of South Sudan to conduct a credible inquires into Allen’s death and to share its findings with Mr. Allen’s family” read part of the statement extended to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper.
Since Allen was killed, his parents, family and friends have been seeking an investigation into his death and the culprits to be brought to book which has not yet occurred.
“It is our fervent hope that such an inquiry will help give Mr. Allen’s family the closure they deserve by holding accountable those responsible for his death,” the statement added.
In absence of any official investigation, probes gathered through journalistic investigations and results of private autopsy alleged that late Allen was targeted by government soldiers, despite the fact that he was clearly unarmed and only carrying a camera.
However, the government of South Sudan has not yet established or published an official investigation on the death of journalist – Allen
The Reporter without Borders (RSF) have documented multiple instances of the atrocities subjected against journalists both local and international – to harassment, arbitrary detention, surveillance and attacks.
According to the report, Allen’s death adds to at least 10 journalists who were killed since 2014, during the country’s seven years civil war.