South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, have gone missing while on assignment in Djibouti. Reddy, a Johannesburg-based journalist and Africa coordinator for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), was last heard from on Saturday at midday. His work has covered governance, corruption, and financial affairs across Africa. Reddy worked at the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism from 2017 to 2023 and was previously national coordinator for media freedom and diversity at the Right2Know Campaign.
Reddy arrived in Djibouti on Thursday night and was due to leave by Monday at the latest. According to ICIJ managing editor Fergus Shiel, Reddy met with Mahmoud and was in contact with the ICIJ from a hotel at around 1 p.m. local time on Friday. He then vanished shortly afterwards. ICIJ suspects Reddy is in custody, but Djibouti authorities have not confirmed his whereabouts. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has not said whether the pair were arrested or abducted.
The CPJ expressed deep concern over Reddy's disappearance and urged Djibouti's authorities to clarify his whereabouts, confirm his well-being, and ensure his safety. The organization also called for a prompt and transparent investigation and for information to be given to Reddy's family and employers. Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa director, was among those speaking for the organization.
Reddy's colleagues and employers have expressed alarm over his disappearance. amaBhungane managing partner Sam Sole described Reddy as fearless and said his disappearance and Mahmoud's are intensely worrying. According to Sole, Reddy's current investigation was not focused on Djibouti or its government. The South African and British governments have tried to contact Djibouti's government, and US authorities have also been contacted.
The disappearance comes as Djibouti receives people fleeing escalating hostilities in Yemen. UN figures show more than 2,350 people, at least half of them children, had arrived by September 12. The influx of refugees has added to the complexity of the situation in Djibouti.
Reddy's work with the ICIJ and amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism has focused on exposing corruption and promoting transparency in Africa. His colleagues and employers are working to secure his safe return and are urging the Djibouti authorities to provide information on his whereabouts.
The international community is waiting for an update on Reddy's situation. His family and employers are anxiously awaiting news of his safe return. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists working in Africa and the need for governments to protect them.
Key points
- South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, have gone missing in Djibouti while on assignment.
- The CPJ has expressed deep concern over Reddy's disappearance and urged Djibouti's authorities to clarify his whereabouts.
- Reddy's disappearance comes as Djibouti receives people fleeing escalating hostilities in Yemen.
