INQUIRIES LAUNCHED: Top SA investigative journalist goes missing in Djibouti

South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his local "fixer" Kooki Mahmoud have gone missing while on assignment in Djibouti, causing alarm to their colleagues and families. The South African and British governments, as well as US authorities and the Djibouti government, have tried to contact Djiboutian authorities to find out if the two men have been arrested or have something else befallen them.

Reddy, Africa coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), was in Djibouti for no more than three days and intended to learn about a long-term investigation. He met with Mahmoud and was staying at the Escale International Hotel, but Reddy was not there to report on Djibouti affairs. Shiel, Reddy's editor, said Reddy texted to say that everything was fine, but after that, his phone showed he was receiving messages, but the connection dropped.

The US and UK governments launched a missing person's report with Djiboutian authorities. Shiel believes Reddy is in custody and urges Djiboutian authorities to reveal his whereabouts. Reddy is known for his investigative work on governance, corruption, and regional affairs. The Committee to Protect Journalists and AmaBhungane, the South African investigative news agency, have expressed concern for Reddy and Mahmoud's safety and called for their immediate safe return.