The disappearance of South African journalist Micah Reddy in Djibouti has sparked concerns about the safety of journalists working in high-risk environments. Reddy, the African coordinator for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), was last in contact on Saturday morning. His organisation has expressed worry about his whereabouts and those of his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud. They were reportedly staying at the Escale International hotel in Djibouti.
Editors' Forum of Namibia chairperson Toivo Ndjebela described the incident as "deeply" concerning, highlighting the vulnerabilities journalists face while carrying out their work, especially outside their home countries. He emphasised that press freedom is inseparable from the safety and security of journalists. The editors' forum has urged authorities to establish Reddy's whereabouts as a matter of urgency and has expressed hope for his safe return.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Djiboutian authorities to confirm Reddy's safety, establish his whereabouts, and investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Reddy has experience working outside South Africa, having reported on governance, corruption, and other issues across Africa. His previous reporting has documented the risks journalists can encounter while working abroad, including in Equatorial Guinea in 2025.
Namibian veteran editor and media freedom advocate Gwen Lister expressed concern about the safety of investigative journalists in pursuit of the truth. She noted that Reddy is an experienced journalist who has worked with the NMT Media Foundation, facilitating workshops for aspiring young reporters. Lister hopes that Reddy and his colleague will be found safe and unharmed.
Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, travelled to Djibouti on Thursday for a reporting assignment. The Escale International hotel, where they were staying, is believed to be owned by family members of Djiboutian president Ismaël Guelleh and a key figure in the Djiboutian secret service. This has raised concerns about the potential involvement of high-level officials in Reddy's disappearance.
Despite safety concerns, the Editors' Forum of Namibia has stated that journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of arbitrary detention, disappearance, intimidation, or violence. The forum emphasises that press freedom and journalist safety are closely linked. Reddy's disappearance serves as a reminder of the risks journalists face while reporting on critical issues.
The incident has sparked an outcry from media freedom advocates and organisations. Reddy's experience and expertise in investigative journalism make his disappearance particularly concerning. The international community is watching closely as authorities in Djibouti work to establish Reddy's whereabouts and ensure his safe return.
Key points
- The disappearance of Micah Reddy in Djibouti has raised concerns about journalist safety in high-risk environments.
- Reddy's experience and expertise in investigative journalism make his disappearance particularly concerning.
- Authorities in Djibouti are under pressure to establish Reddy's whereabouts and ensure his safe return.
