South African journalist Micah Reddy and local fixer vanish in Djibouti

Two journalists have been reported missing in Djibouti amid urgent calls for clarity from international press groups and diplomats. South African journalist Micah Reddy and his local colleague, identified as Mohamed Willo Ismael (also known as Kooki Mahmoud), lost contact in Djibouti City on Saturday.

When and where contact was lost

According to reporting, the pair were last seen at the Escale International Hotel in Djibouti City. Contact was lost at about 1pm local time on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

Who they are

Micah Reddy holds South African and British citizenship and is the ICIJ Africa coordinator. He previously worked for the investigative unit amaBhungane. The local colleague has been named as Mohamed Willo Ismael, who is also known as Kooki Mahmoud.

Travel and planned schedule

Reddy arrived in Djibouti on 17 September, travelling from Johannesburg via Addis Ababa, and was due to leave on 21 September.

Responses from press groups and authorities

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) alerted UK and South African authorities and has called for a transparent investigation. ICIJ, Reddy’s family and his employer describe the situation as a disappearance or loss of contact; there has been no public confirmation from Djiboutian authorities about the pair’s whereabouts.

“The Committee to Protect Journalists is increasingly alarmed that South African journalist Micah Reddy and his fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, have been unreachable in Djibouti for more than 24 hours,” Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa Director, said. “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.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Djibouti to establish the men’s whereabouts and credibly confirm their safety. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has been made aware and is seeking information.

Concerns in South Africa’s media community

According to The Citizen, the disappearance has rattled South Africa’s media fraternity and reignited debate about the risks investigative journalists face across Africa and beyond. Reddy’s family have said they are extremely worried and are seeking information through diplomatic channels.

What is known and what is not

Known: the last confirmed location, travel dates to and from Djibouti, the identities and roles of the two men, and that international press organisations and South African authorities have been notified.

Not confirmed publicly: any official statement from Djiboutian authorities confirming detention, arrest or abduction.

Media and rights groups continue to press for a transparent account of the pair’s whereabouts and for any authorities involved to confirm their safety as investigations proceed.