By Mamer Abraham
United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement welcoming the formation of a committee to investigate the killing of American-British journalist Christopher Allen.
Allen was killed while covering clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition on August 26, 2017.
The two countries urged the government to speed up the credible investigation process and ensure that the findings are made public.
“The formation of a committee must be followed by a thorough investigation that is credible. Its findings must be made public and lead to accountability,” the statement read.
On September 29, the government of South Sudan formed a committee to start an investigation into the murder of Christopher Allen.
The seven-member committee formed by Cabinet Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro is headed by David Charles Ali Bilal, with Brig. Gen. Riak Bim Top, Brig. Gen. Jalpan Obyec Kir, Lawrence Kamilo Loro, George Stephen Lomeling, Ochola Paul Omal as members, and Brig. Gen. Alex Makelele as the rapporteurs.
The committee was tasked with investigating, identifying, summoning, and carrying out interviews with those who witnessed the incident and submitting a comprehensive report within 15 working days from the date of the order.