French-Born Activist Arrested in South Africa Amid Benin Coup Allegations

South African police announced the arrest of Kemi Seba, a Beninese-born activist with ties to France, during a covert operation in Pretoria. Seba, whose full name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was detained alongside his 18-year-old son while attempting to cross into Zimbabwe. The arrest followed a sting that targeted a “facilitator” allegedly hired to assist their escape to Europe.

Seba is currently wanted in Benin on charges of inciting rebellion for his role in supporting last year’s thwarted coup. Preliminary findings from the police reveal he faces accusations in both France and Benin for actions deemed threats to national security. The statement released on Thursday stated that he was “allegedly a wanted fugitive” for his involvement in state-related crimes.

“The facilitator was paid approximately 250,000 South African rand ($15,000; £11,000) to help Seba and his son cross the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe,” the authorities explained. The duo appeared in court earlier this week and will face further proceedings on 20 April, with extradition efforts now in motion.

Known for his anti-French stance, Seba has long advocated for African independence and criticized Western influence in the region. He is also linked to pro-Russian rhetoric and has been associated with spreading Russian propaganda. In 2024, his French citizenship was revoked, an event he celebrated by publicly burning his passport, claiming it symbolized his liberation from French ties.

Seba’s political activities include leadership of the Pan-Africanist Emergency NGO, which champions African sovereignty and unity. The same year he lost his French nationality, he was granted a Niger diplomatic passport, positioning him as a “special adviser” to the country’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani. This comes as Niger’s military rulers, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, have redirected their collaboration from France to Russia, citing shared interests against Islamist groups.

In December 2023, a mutiny in Benin briefly destabilized the government, but the plot was neutralized within hours by joint efforts from Nigeria and France. Seba had previously posted a video celebrating the event as a “day of liberation” for his nation. As a result, Benin issued an international arrest warrant for him, citing his support for the failed coup attempt.

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