South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy, who works for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), was detained by Djibouti authorities on September 19, 2026. His family announced on Tuesday, September 22, that he had been released and was on his way back to South Africa. Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, had disappeared from their hotel in Djibouti City on Saturday at about 1 pm.
Reddy's family expressed relief and gratitude that he was returning home unharmed. They had been anxiously waiting for news of his whereabouts and condition for two days. The family did not receive an official explanation for his detention until his release. According to sources, Reddy was detained for not having applied for official media accreditation. However, his family stated that he was not in Djibouti reporting on the country or its government at the time of his detention.
The ICIJ confirmed Reddy's release and stated that Mahmoud was also free. The organization had raised concerns about their disappearance and worked with diplomatic channels to establish Reddy's whereabouts. The South African, British, and US governments assisted in contacting Djibouti authorities for information. ICIJ director Gerard Ryle highlighted the solidarity shown by the media community in calling for Reddy's swift release.
Djibouti's Minister of the Interior, Omar Abdi Said, stated that Reddy had entered the country with the intention of carrying out assignments without notifying the authorities. He claimed Reddy had deliberately bypassed the requirement for media accreditation, which is essential for any media professional working in Djibouti. Reddy was ordered to leave the country on Tuesday.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomed Reddy's release but expressed concerns about his detention and Djibouti's accreditation process. Angela Quintal, Africa director of CPJ, stated that four days in secretive intelligence custody was unacceptable treatment for an investigative journalist. The CPJ and other media organizations have called for greater transparency and press freedom in Djibouti.
Djibouti's strategic location at the entrance to the Red Sea makes it a critical hub for international military bases, including those of the US, China, and France. The country's importance should invite greater scrutiny, not excuse censorship and intimidation, according to Quintal. Reddy's detention highlighted concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Djibouti.
Reddy's family expressed gratitude to those who supported them during his detention, including governments, diplomatic missions, and media organizations. They thanked the South African and UK governments, as well as the ICIJ and other civil society groups, for their efforts in securing Reddy's release. The family appealed for privacy as they reunited with Reddy.
Key points
- Djibouti authorities detained Micah Reddy for not having official media accreditation.
- The ICIJ and other media organizations played a crucial role in securing Reddy's release.
- Reddy's detention raises concerns about press freedom and Djibouti's accreditation process.
