The United Nations Mission in South Sudan expresses its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of journalist Christopher Allen, killed during fighting in the town of Kaya, near the border with Uganda, in circumstances that remain unclear.

“We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Christopher Allen for their loss. His death while reporting on the conflict in South Sudan is a tragedy,” said the Head of UNMISS and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, David Shearer.

“Christopher Allen is the tenth journalist to have been killed in South Sudan since 2012. UNMISS has repeatedly stated that any attacks on journalists are unacceptable and it calls on all parties to the ongoing conflict in South Sudan to respect the freedom of the press.”