This week we will mark the sixth anniversary of the death of Christopher Allen, a dual American-British citizen who was killed on August 26, 2017, while working as a journalist covering clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO). On this solemn anniversary, the U.S. and U.K. Embassies renew calls for the transitional Government of South Sudan to conduct a credible investigation into the death of Christopher Allen, to make the results public, and to ensure accountability. After six years, Mr. Allen’s family, friends, and colleagues deserve answers.
Our call for a credible investigation and accountability is about more than just Mr. Allen’s case—it is about the right of journalists to work in safety and about ending impunity for violence and crimes against them. A free and independent press is a vital, core institution that underpins healthy democracies.
Note: The audio file of the Statement is read by U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler.
