New York – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says it is “deeply concerned” by reports that South African journalist Micah Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, are missing in Djibouti.
The CPJ on Sunday, 20 September 2026, urged authorities in the small country, strategically located on the Horn of Africa, to clarify their whereabouts and ensure their safety.
As of 12 September 2026, more than 2 350 people, at least half of them children, have arrived in Djibouti after fleeing escalating hostilities in Yemen.
They have landed at various points along Djibouti’s northern coast near Obock.
It is anticipated that these numbers will increase as fighting intensifies, with an estimated number of 5 000 to 10 000 people arriving in the country.
According to information received by CPJ, Reddy, the Johannesburg-based reporter known for investigative work on governance, corruption, and regional affairs, had traveled to Djibouti with Mahmoud to report on local developments.
Contacts lost communication with the pair in recent days, prompting growing alarm among colleagues and press freedom advocates.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that Micah Reddy and Kooki Mahmoud are missing in Djibouti,” CPJ said in a statement.
“Authorities must immediately clarify their whereabouts, confirm their well-being, and ensure their safety. Journalists must be able to work without fear of disappearance or obstruction.”
CPJ called on Djibouti authorities to launch a prompt and transparent investigation into the pair’s status, provide any available information to their families and employers without delay, and guarantee that no harm comes to them.
South African diplomats have been urged to actively engage with Djiboutian counterparts to secure the journalists’ welfare and facilitate their safe return if they are being held or are in distress.
CPJ was closely monitoring the situation.
