FCAEA & FCA-UGANDA MOURN CHRISTOPHER ALLEN’S DEATH, SEEK CLARITY OF CIRCUMSTANCES

The Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA) and the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Uganda (FCAU) are deeply saddened and concerned about the death of freelance journalist Christopher Allen who was killed while reporting on the conflict in Kaya, South Sudan on Saturday.

We send our most sincere condolences to Christopher’s family and friends. Christopher was killed trying to tell the story of one of the world’s most underreported crises and the journalist community in East Africa mourns his loss.

This has coincided with deterioration in security for civilians — journalists, humanitarian workers and South Sudanese non-combatants — caught in the conflict.

We remind all combatants in South Sudan of their obligations under international law to protect civilians, including journalists, from harm during armed conflict.

Amid conflicting reports, we also call for an immediate and thorough investigation by all parties involved into the circumstances of Christopher’s death. We ask international partners to support our call.

FCAEA and FCAU are available to give advice and support to members, as well as journalists visiting the region, who are considering reporting from South Sudan and other insecure areas. 

ENDS