A former journalism student from a UK university has been murdered while working in the Central African Republic, according to French government officials.

The body of photojournalist Camille Lepage, 26, was discovered by French troops patrolling in the Bouar region in the west of the country.

Camille, pictured, completed a journalism degree at Solent University in Southampton before moving to Juba in South Sudan in July 2012.

She had spent the last few months working in the Central African Republic after conflict erupted there between Muslim and Christian militias.

Camille’s work covering the conflicts in the CAR and South Sudan has been widely published by a number of major news organisations including the BBC, The New York Times, La Monde and the AFP.

She had also worked for several non-governmental organisations including Amnesty International and Medecins sans Frontieres.

In her last tweet on 6 May, Camille wrote that she was “travelling with the anti-balaka to Amada Gaza, about 120km from Berberati”.

She added: “We left at 3.30am to avoid the Misca checkpoints and it took us eight hours by motorbike as there is no proper roads to reach the village. In the region of Amada Gaza, 150 people were killed by the Seleka between March and now.”

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have urged the transitional government of the Central African Republic and all international forces based in the country to do everything in their power to bring Camille’s murderers to justice.

IFJ President Jim Boumelha said: “We are deeply saddened and angered at the tragic loss of the highly respected young journalist Camille Lepage and we offer our heartfelt condolences to her colleagues and loved ones.

“We appeal for the government of the Central African Republic, as well as the French and other international forces based there, to immediately take every step necessary to find the perpetrators of this appalling act and bring them to swift and full justice.”

The IFJ and the EFJ have reiterated their call for authorities in the country to step up protection for journalists, while also urging media professionals covering events to remain vigilant and protect their safety at all times.