ICIJ says journalist and fixer in Djibouti custody after disappearance

South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, are in police custody in Djibouti after going missing over the weekend, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The pair were last heard from around midday on Saturday, September 19, 2026, prompting urgent inquiries from press freedom groups and multiple governments. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was alarmed the two men were unreachable for more than 24 hours. "Their families and colleagues urgently need answers," said CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal. "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." On Monday, September 21, the ICIJ confirmed that Reddy, its Africa coordinator, and his colleague were in custody. The consortium stated it had been informed that Reddy was believed to be held for failing to obtain media accreditation and that Ismael was also being detained. Djiboutian authorities have not independently confirmed the custody or the reason for it.