The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today expressed 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,” he added.

The fighting in which Christopher Allen was killed claimed more than 19 people.

Allen, who worked for various news outlets, was killed in heavy fighting in the town of Kaya. South Sudan has been shaken by conflict since late 2013, pitting President Salva Kiir’s troops against those of rebel leader Riek Machar.