Key facts
- South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy has gone missing in Djibouti.
- Reddy, Africa editor for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, was last heard from on Saturday.
- Reddy's family has received no information from authorities about his whereabouts.
- Reddy's fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, is also unreachable.
- Reddy was staying at the Escale International hotel in Djibouti's capital.
- A Djibouti presidency official stated Reddy had not registered for media accreditation.
South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy has gone missing in Djibouti while on a reporting trip, his family announced on Sunday. Reddy, who serves as the Africa editor for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), was last heard from on Saturday, and his family has not received any updates on his whereabouts from authorities.
Reddy arrived in Djibouti on Thursday and had maintained regular contact with family and colleagues until communication abruptly ceased on Saturday. His brother, Niall Reddy, stated that messages sent via Signal and WhatsApp were no longer being delivered, raising concerns. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed alarm over the situation, noting that over 24 hours had passed without contact.
According to his family, Reddy was staying at the Escale International hotel in the capital and was last seen meeting his fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, in the hotel lobby. The hotel has reportedly provided limited information. Niall Reddy mentioned that his brother had not reported any threats prior to the trip and was not investigating the Djiboutian government. South African and British officials have engaged with the Djibouti government for information, but clarity on Reddy's whereabouts remains elusive. A Djibouti presidency official stated that Reddy had not registered for media accreditation and that tourist visa records would need to be checked.