The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of South African journalist Micah Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, in Djibouti. According to the CPJ, Reddy and Mahmoud were last in contact with their colleagues several days ago, and their whereabouts are currently unknown. The CPJ has urged Djiboutian authorities to immediately clarify the pair's status and ensure their safety.
Reddy, a Johannesburg-based investigative journalist, is the Africa coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). He has worked on investigations covering governance, corruption, and financial affairs across Africa. Prior to his current role, Reddy worked as an investigative journalist at the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, which he joined in 2017.
The CPJ has called on Djiboutian authorities to launch a prompt and transparent investigation into the pair's status and provide information to their families and employers. The organisation has also urged authorities to confirm Reddy and Mahmoud's well-being and ensure their safety. Journalists must be able to work without fear of disappearance or obstruction, the CPJ said.
The available information does not establish what happened to Reddy and Mahmoud or where they are currently located. The CPJ said the two had been in Djibouti for reporting purposes and that communication with them had been lost. The organisation has not publicly stated that the pair had been arrested or abducted.
Djibouti is currently dealing with an influx of people fleeing escalating hostilities in Yemen. According to information cited by the CPJ, more than 2,350 people had arrived in Djibouti by September 12, with at least half of them children. The arrivals were reported along the country's northern coast near Obock.
The CPJ is continuing to monitor the situation, and at this stage, there has been no confirmed public explanation for the loss of contact with Reddy and Mahmoud. The organisation's Africa programme coordinator, Muthoni Njoki, has expressed concern over the disappearance, highlighting the importance of press freedom and safety.
The South African government has not made an official statement on the disappearance of Reddy and Mahmoud. The CPJ's call for information on their whereabouts and safety has been echoed by media freedom organisations and advocates, who stress the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring their safety while working in challenging environments.
Key points
- The CPJ has urged Djiboutian authorities to immediately clarify Reddy and Mahmoud's whereabouts and ensure their safety.
- Reddy is a Johannesburg-based investigative journalist and Africa coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
- Djibouti is dealing with an influx of people fleeing escalating hostilities in Yemen, with over 2,350 arrivals reported by September 12.
