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Arrest in Pretoria shopping centre
South African police announced on Thursday the detention of controversial activist Kemi Seba, a French-born Beninese national, during an alleged attempt to flee to Europe via Zimbabwe. Seba, whose legal name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was apprehended on Monday alongside his 18-year-old son in a coordinated sting operation at a Pretoria shopping centre.
Charges and extradition proceedings
Seba faces charges in Benin for "inciting rebellion" following his alleged support for a failed coup attempt in December 2024. Authorities also suspect him of broader "criminal activities against the state" in both France and Benin, according to a police statement. A third individual, described as a "facilitator," was arrested for allegedly receiving 250,000 South African rand ($15,000; £11,000) to smuggle the pair across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with plans to continue to Europe.
The trio appeared in court on Wednesday, and their case was adjourned until 20 April. South African officials confirmed extradition procedures for Seba are underway. He has not publicly addressed the allegations.
Political and legal background
Seba, 45, is a polarizing figure known for his opposition to French influence in Africa and his vocal support for West Africa's military regimes. He leads the NGO Pan-Africanist Emergency, which advocates for African sovereignty, and commands a following of 1.5 million online. His activism has drawn repeated legal scrutiny in France, where he has been convicted multiple times for inciting racial hatred and faces accusations of anti-Semitism.
In 2024, France revoked his citizenship. Seba responded by publicly burning his passport, declaring himself "freed from the burden of French nationality." The same year, Niger's junta awarded him a diplomatic passport, appointing him a "special adviser" to leader Abdourahamane Tchiani. French officials, including former National Assembly defence committee chair Thomas Gassilloud, have accused Seba of amplifying Russian propaganda and stoking anti-French sentiment across the region.
Regional tensions and coup allegations
The arrest follows heightened instability in West Africa, where military juntas in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have severed military ties with France in favour of partnerships with Russia. Seba's alleged role in Benin's December 2024 coup attempt-foiled within hours with assistance from Nigeria and France-has further escalated tensions. He had posted a video on the day of the mutiny, declaring it "the day of liberation" for Benin, a former French colony. Beninese authorities subsequently issued an international warrant for his arrest.
Reactions and next steps
Seba's supporters have condemned his detention as politically motivated. Sayia Moudongo, representing a Paris-based diaspora association, told the BBC:
"It's an attempt to silence a prominent pan-African voice. We will fight this until Mr Seba is released."
South African police continue their investigation, while Beninese and French authorities prepare extradition requests. The case is scheduled to resume on 20 April, with Seba and his son remaining in custody.
