South African Journalist Micah Reddy Released After Being Detained in Djibouti

South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy has been released from custody in Djibouti and is on his way home, according to his family and the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Reddy, the Africa editor for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, had travelled to Djibouti earlier this month. His family became concerned after they suddenly lost contact with him and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud.

The journalist and Mahmoud were later reported to have been detained by Djiboutian authorities. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, authorities said Reddy did not have the required media accreditation.

Reddy’s family said he was not in Djibouti on a reporting assignment, and expressed relief after learning that he had been released unharmed. Mahmoud was also released without charge.

The disappearance had caused concern among Reddy’s colleagues and press-freedom organisations because his communication had abruptly stopped after he had been regularly contacting family and colleagues.

Reddy’s family said in a statement that they were relieved and delighted that he was returning to South Africa safely.

The case attracted international attention because Reddy is an experienced investigative journalist who has worked on major investigations across Africa. His release brought an end to several days of uncertainty for his family.

The circumstances surrounding his detention remain the subject of differing accounts, with Djiboutian authorities citing accreditation requirements while Reddy’s family said he was not there to report on the country or its government.

For his family, the most immediate concern was his safety — and they can now expect to see him back home.

Sources:
Reuters – South African journalist freed and deported from Djibouti
South Africa Today – Micah Reddy released and on his way home