Djibouti City, Djibouti (Running Africa) — South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy is believed to have been detained by authorities in Djibouti after losing contact with colleagues while on a reporting assignment.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) said Reddy may have been taken into custody over an alleged failure to obtain media accreditation.
Djiboutian journalist Mohamed Willo Ismael, also known as Kooki Mahmoud, who was assisting Reddy locally, is also believed to have been detained.
The ICIJ said it had not established where the two journalists were being held or the precise circumstances surrounding their reported detention.
Micah Reddy Lost Contact With Colleagues in Djibouti
Reddy arrived in Djibouti on Thursday for a reporting assignment and was staying at the Escale International Hotel in Djibouti City.
He remained in communication with colleagues until Saturday, when contact with both Reddy and Ismael stopped.
The ICIJ said Reddy’s assignment was not focused on Djibouti or its government.
His family and colleagues initially received no information about his whereabouts following the loss of contact.
CPJ Calls for Information on Journalists’ Whereabouts
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Djiboutian authorities to establish the whereabouts of Reddy and Ismael, confirm their safety and release them if they are being detained.
Djiboutian authorities have not publicly provided a detailed account of the reported detention.
The ICIJ said it continues to seek information about where the two journalists are being held and how they are being treated.
Who Is South African Journalist Micah Reddy?
Reddy is an experienced investigative journalist who previously worked with South Africa’s amaBhungane Center for Investigative Journalism.
His reporting has covered corruption, governance and financial affairs across Africa. He has also worked for the Yemen Times and the Right2Know Campaign.
Questions surrounding Reddy and Ismael’s whereabouts remain unresolved as press freedom groups and colleagues seek clarification from authorities in Djibouti.
