Government says U.S journalist Allen was killed in crossfire in Kaya

By Simon Deng

The government on Thursday said American-British journalist Christopher Allen was killed in crossfire on August 26, 2017, contrary to reports that he was intentionally targeted during clashes in Kaya between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces.

The report released by the investigation committee headed by David Charles Bilal, said it found out that Allen entered South Sudan without proper documentations, adding that there was no proof that he entered legally.

“The letter dated 25 January 2024 from Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Nationality, Passport and Immigration confirmed no legal entry or otherwise of Christopher Allen,” said Bilal during  press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Juba.

Allen death caused international backlash on the government led by President Salva Kiir with the United States and the other Troika countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom exerting pressure on Juba to investigate the killing of the journalist.

The pressure from these countries prompted the government to form adhoc-committee in November 2023 to investigate the circumstances of Allen’s death.

It was claimed at the time of Allen’s death by a plethora of government officials that Allen was embedded with the SPLA-IO forces by the time he was killed.

 “Another letter dated 31 October 2023 from the South Sudan Media Authority confirmed that no application for accreditation was given to Allen and his other colleagues,” said Bilal.

Bilal noted that the clashes between the two sides took place at around 5:30 A.M, making it difficult to identify anyone on the scene.

 “Allen entered South Sudan illegally and he was not wearing any protective or press identification clothes,” he said.

Michael Makuei, the National Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services revealed that the probe report does not differ from the earlier government account on Allen’s death.

 “This investigation was setup this time because there are people who have doubted what we have been reporting about the death of Christopher Allen, he did not die as an accredited journalist, but he entered South Sudan through illegal means,” said Makuei.

Martin Elia Lomuro, the National Minister of Cabinet Affairs said that the investigation team unearthed evidence surrounding the circumstance that led to the unfortunate death of Christopher Allen.

“It does not matter how long it took before the investigation is done, we have had to create a special project unit in order to combat and address allegations that are intended to tarnish the image of our country,” said Lomuro.

The 26-year-old freelance reporter was shot on August 26, 2017, allegedly in the head during a battle between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO forces led by the current First Vice President Riek Machar in the southern town of Kaya in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State.