In brief
Kemi Seba, a prominent activist wanted in Benin for his support of a failed coup and for allegedly inciting rebellion, was arrested in South Africa. His capture comes amid allegations of criminal activities, including ties to foreign influence and propaganda. The police apprehended him in Pretoria, where he had reportedly been attempting to flee to Europe with his son. The case has drawn attention to the dynamics of dissent in West Africa and the broader implications of his activism.
South African police say they have arrested 'wanted fugitive' French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Europe through Zimbabwe.
Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is wanted in Benin on charges of 'inciting rebellion' after supporting last year's foiled coup.
He was arrested on Monday alongside his 18-year-old son in a sting operation at a shopping centre in Pretoria. A 'facilitator' who had allegedly been paid to help them illegally cross to Zimbabwe was also detained.
Seba, 45, is known for opposing French influence in Africa, backing West Africa's military leaders and has been accused of spreading Russian propaganda.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the father [Seba] is allegedly a wanted fugitive in France and Benin for criminal activities relating to crimes against the state, South Africa's police said in a statement.
The police added that the individual who assisted Seba and his son had been paid about 250,000 South African rand (approximately $15,000) to help them move across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with the intention to further proceed to Europe.
They remain in police custody after appearing in court on Wednesday. Their case has been postponed to April 20, with plans for Seba's extradition underway.
Seba has not commented on the allegations against him but faces serious charges due to his outspoken views and activism.
Born in France to parents from Benin, he commands a substantial following online, leading the NGO Pan-Africanist Emergency, which promotes issues of African sovereignty. However, he has faced legal troubles related to accusations of inciting racial hatred and has been linked to anti-Semitic sentiments in the past.
In 2024, Seba was stripped of his French nationality, prompting him to publicly burn his passport, declaring his liberation from French citizenship. His actions have raised concerns among officials, with claims that he serves as a mouthpiece for Russian influence amidst changing political tides in West Africa, particularly in relation to France's role in the region.
On December 7, 2023, Seba celebrated the day of liberation for Benin, coinciding with the military coup attempt which was quickly thwarted with help from Nigeria and France.
Benin subsequently issued an international warrant for his arrest, which now unfolds within the context of broader anti-colonial sentiments and geopolitical shifts in West Africa.
