South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and fixer Kooki Mahmoud released in Djibouti and returning to South Africa after detention

He was released without charges.

The family released a statement on Tuesday, further confirming that Reddy is unharmed.

“The past few days of uncertainty and waiting have been interminable and devastating,” the family said.

Reddy and his local fixer Kooki Mahmoud disappeared from their hotel in Djibouti at about 1 pm on Saturday. Mahmoud has also been released.

“Despite numerous efforts to establish his whereabouts and condition, no official information was provided until today,” the family said.

Daily Maverick reports that the explanation for his detainment was that he had not applied for official media accreditation, although he was not there to report on the government or country.

“ICIJ raised the alarm within hours of the two men’s disappearance from the Escale International Hotel in Djibouti City, when messages to the pair went unanswered,” reports Daily Maverick.

“On 21 September, ICIJ confirmed unofficially through diplomatic and other channels that Reddy was in custody, understood to be held for failing to obtain proper media accreditation.”

It added that the South African, British and US governments assisted in contacting Djiboutian authorities for information.

Djibouti authorities did not publicly confirm his whereabouts or provide access to Reddy until Tuesday.

Committee to Protect Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed relief at the news.

Angela Quintal CPJ's regional director in Africa, said they are greatly relieved.

“Four days in secretive intelligence custody is unacceptable treatment of an investigative journalist.

“CPJ welcomes the overdue release of Micah Reddy and Kooki Mahmoud, but serious questions remain about their detention and Djibouti’s opaque accreditation process.

“Djibouti’s strategic importance should invite greater scrutiny, not excuse censorship and intimidation," says Quintal.

Family's gratitude

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us and worked to help secure Micah’s return. We are particularly grateful to the South African and UK governments, diplomatic missions and multilateral bodies who worked tirelessly to establish his whereabouts and secure information about his welfare,” the family said.