ICIJ confirms missing journalist Micah Reddy is in Djibouti custody

South African journalist Micah Reddy is reported to be in custody in Djibouti.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has confirmed that South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his colleague are in police custody in Djibouti.

Reddy and local journalist Mohamed Willo Ismael, also known as Kooki Mahmoud, went missing on Saturday, September 19.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern after Reddy and Mahmoud were unreachable in Djibouti for more than 24 hours.

CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal urged authorities to provide answers on the two journalists' whereabouts.

“Their families and colleagues urgently need answers. CPJ understands their reporting was not focused on Djibouti and urges Djiboutian authorities to establish their whereabouts, credibly confirm their safety, and promptly release them if detained,” Quintal said.

However, on Monday, the ICIJ received confirmation that Reddy and a colleague were in custody.

“ICIJ has been informed that Reddy is believed to be in custody for failing to obtain media accreditation. It is understood that Ismael is also being held in custody by Djiboutian authorities,” the ICIJ said.

According to the ICIJ, Reddy was not reporting on Djiboutian affairs when he went missing. He was staying at the Escale International Hotel in Djibouti City.

Reddy is a Johannesburg-based investigative journalist and Africa coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

According to the ICIJ, he previously worked as an investigative journalist at the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, which he joined in 2017.

He was also previously the national coordinator for media freedom and diversity at the Right2Know Campaign.

Reddy has worked on investigations covering governance, corruption and financial affairs across Africa.