JUBA, South Sudan – The U.S. Embassy in Juba has issued a statement marking the eighth anniversary of the death of American journalist Christopher Allen, who was killed in South Sudan on August 26, 2017.
Allen, a freelance reporter, was covering the civil war between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and its opposition faction when he was fatally shot. His death, along with the subsequent treatment of his remains, has long been a point of tension between Washington and Juba.
In its statement released on August 26, 2025, the Embassy reiterated its demand for a “credible investigation” into Allen’s death, emphasizing concerns over both the circumstances of his killing and the reported disrespectful handling of his body.
“The United States renews its call on the transitional government of South Sudan to conduct a credible investigation into Mr. Allen’s death and the disrespectful treatment of his remains,” the Embassy declared.
Allen’s case has drawn international attention as an example of the risks faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones. Press freedom advocates and Allen’s family have repeatedly called for accountability, insisting that his killing should not go unexamined.
As South Sudan continues its fragile transition toward peace, the U.S. statement underscores the broader issue of justice and human rights in the country. By renewing its demand, Washington signals that Allen’s case remains an unresolved matter in U.S.-South Sudan relations, highlighting the need for transparency and respect for journalists in conflict areas.
