Fresh Appeal for Investigation into 2017 Journalist’s Death in South Sudan’s Civil War

(JUBA) – The International Press Institute (IPI) has renewed its call for international action and pressure on the Government of South Sudan over the killing of American-British journalist Christopher Allen in 2017.

The global press freedom group is urging a transparent and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding Allen’s death, after years of what it describes as government inaction and impunity.

Allen, a freelance photojournalist with dual US and UK citizenship, was killed on 26 August 2017 while covering the country’s civil war. He was embedded with the opposition SPLA-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces at the time, documenting the conflict from the rebel side. He had spent approximately three weeks with the SPLA-IO fighters, including during their assault on Kaya, a strategic town located near the Ugandan border.

Rebel forces claim Allen was clearly identifiable as a journalist when the fighting intensified that day. According to them, he wore a vest marked “PRESS,” carried two cameras and had no weapons. Despite this, he was shot multiple times by government troops, including a fatal shot to the head. Rebel sources allege the attack was deliberate. Photographs taken after his death indicate that Allen’s body was mistreated in ways that may amount to war crimes, raising further concern about violations by government soldiers.

The Government of South Sudan, however, denied Allen’s status as a journalist and rejected the claim that he was targeted. Officials labelled him a “white rebel” who had entered the country illegally. They insisted that individuals accompanying rebels, journalists included, would be considered combatants.

In March 2024, a long awaited report by the South Sudan Investigation Committee concluded that Allen was killed accidentally in crossfire. However, the report did not involve Allen’s family in its process, nor did it acknowledge or investigate the alleged abuse of his body.

It also failed to engage with basic international laws protecting journalists and civilians in conflict zones. Human rights groups, Allen’s family, and US officials publicly criticised the report as inadequate and dismissive of international standards.

Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy at the IPI, condemned the South Sudanese government’s handling of the case.

“The killing of journalist Christopher Allen and the subsequent failure of the South Sudanese government to adequately investigate his death and bring his killers to justice demonstrates an alarming display of impunity on the part of authorities,” she said.

“Journalists covering conflict must be free to do their jobs without fear of being targeted. We urgently call for a renewed investigation into Allen’s death that ensures accountability and compliance with international law.”

Despite the formal end of civil war through the 2018 peace deal, conditions for reporters in the country remain difficult.