Majak Daniel, Secretary-General of UJOSS (left), Patrick Oyet, President Patrick Oyet and Yangi Justine (right): Photo/Jale Richard/Eye Radio.

The Union of Journalists in South Sudan has welcomed the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the 2017 killing of a British-American journalist in the country.

Christoper Allen was shot dead on the front line while covering clashes between government and former opposition forces in Kaya town of Morobo County, Central Equatoria State.

On Monday, the South Sudan government formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the killing of Allen, whose family has long demanded answers on the circumstances leading to his death.

In a Ministerial order issued by Cabinet Minister, Dr Martin Elia Lomuro, the six-member committee is tasked to ascertain the cause and the circumstances of the death of Allen.

It is mandated to identify, summon, and interview any relevant witnesses or witnesses of the incident.

The committee has 15 working days from the date of its signature to submit its findings and recommendations.

Reacting to the decision, Majak Secretary-General of the Union of Journalist in South Sudan welcomed the commencement of investigation.

He further urged the government to investigate the 11 other South Sudanese journalists killed in the country since 2012.

“It has been long overdue. We expected the government to do this right from the day Christopher Allen was killed. What took them so long, we don’t even know,” Majak said.

“In the death of any journalist in this country, the first thing that the government is supposed to do is to form a fact-finding committee to investigate and give accurate information because this is where justice begins.”

“So, by the time that we go for the commemoration of the International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we should see a result of this investigation such that we use it for justification of free press.”

Majak adds: “Other incidents including that of Isaiah Diing Abraham, Peter Moi and the rest that were killed, also the investigation should commence.”