South African investigative journalist and Africa coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) Micah Reddy is safely on his way home after being detained by authorities in Djibouti for several days.

Reddy’s family confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, expressing relief following a period of silence from Djiboutian officials.

Reddy was taken into the custody of Djiboutian authorities at about 13:00 on Saturday and was detained alongside his colleague and local fixer Kooki Mahmoud.

While Mahmoud has since been released without charge, Reddy’s whereabouts and condition remained hidden from his family and legal representatives for days.

“It is with immense relief and delight that we share the news that he is on his way back to South Africa, unharmed,” the Reddy family said.

The family condemned the lack of transparency from local officials, noting that despite numerous high-level efforts to establish his location and condition, no official information was provided until Tuesday.

“The past few days of uncertainty and waiting have been interminable and devastating,” the statement reads. “Despite repeated efforts by Micah’s family, colleagues, media organisations, diplomatic representatives and press freedom groups, we were unable to receive direct confirmation of their condition or establish contact with them.”

The family emphasised that Reddy’s presence in the East African nation was entirely unrelated to the local administration or State affairs.

“At the time he was detained, he was not in Djibouti reporting on the country or its government,” they clarified.

The family extended gratitude to the South African and UK governments, diplomatic missions, and multilateral bodies who worked to secure information about his welfare and establish his whereabouts.

They also thanked the ICIJ, legal teams, regional journalists, civil society groups, and press freedom advocates worldwide.

“Your efforts provided strength, solidarity and hope during an extraordinarily difficult time,” the family said, adding a poignant note for others facing similar situations.

“Waiting for news of a loved one whose whereabouts and wellbeing are unknown is unimaginably painful. Our thoughts are with the many families in South Africa and around the world who experience this uncertainty every day.”