Pan-Africanist Activist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa
Prominent anti-France activist Kemi Seba was arrested in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside his son and an alleged facilitator. Authorities detained them during a sting operation as they attempted to flee illegally to Zimbabwe en route to Europe. Seba faces extradition to Benin for inciting rebellion and supporting a foiled December 2025 coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. Stripped of French citizenship in 2024, the influencer is accused of destabilizing West African governments and spreading Russian propaganda. He remains in pre-trial detention with court proceedings scheduled for April 2026.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Activist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa, Faces Extradition to Benin
Prominent Beninese activist Kemi Seba was arrested in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside his son during a police sting operation. Authorities charged the pair with conspiracy to commit a crime and immigration violations, alleging they planned illegal migration to Europe via Zimbabwe. A third accomplice was also detained for allegedly facilitating the cross-border movement. The South African police, assisted by Interpol, confirmed that Seba is a wanted fugitive in Benin for crimes against the state. Consequently, he is being held in custody pending extradition to Benin. The extradition request stems from an international arrest warrant issued in December after Seba posted a video supporting a failed coup against President Patrice Talon. In the video, Seba celebrated the attempt as a liberation and praised the soldiers involved. Known for his anti-French stance and support for recent West African coups, Seba had his French citizenship revoked in 2024. The case was rescheduled in the Brooklyn magistrates’ court until April 20, marking a significant development in the regional political tensions involving Benin and its diaspora critics.
AP NewsBeninese Activist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa Over Coup Allegations
Kemi Seba, a prominent Beninese activist and black supremacist figure known for his vocal opposition to Western imperialism in Africa, has been arrested by South African authorities. The arrest was executed based on an international warrant issued by the government of Benin. Beninese officials suspect Seba of providing support for an attempted coup d'état that took place on December 7, 2025. Seba, who was previously stripped of his French nationality, has long been a controversial figure due to his radical rhetoric and political activities across the continent. This detention marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Seba's movement and West African governments. The arrest highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by activists accused of destabilizing regional security. While Seba frames his work as anti-colonial resistance, authorities in Benin view his actions as a direct threat to state stability. The involvement of South African law enforcement underscores the cross-border nature of the legal proceedings against him. This event draws attention to the complex interplay between free speech, political activism, and national security laws in contemporary Africa.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeActivist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa Over Benin Coup Support
South African police have arrested French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba, also known as Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, in Pretoria. Seba, a prominent figure with 1.5 million online followers, is wanted in Benin for inciting rebellion after supporting a foiled coup attempt in December 2025. He was detained alongside his 18-year-old son and an alleged facilitator during a sting operation at a shopping center. Authorities state the group attempted to flee illegally to Zimbabwe, intending to proceed to Europe, with the facilitator reportedly paid 250,000 South African rand for assistance. Seba is known for his strong opposition to French influence in Africa, support for West African military juntas, and accusations of spreading Russian propaganda. Previously stripped of his French citizenship in 2024, he holds a diplomatic passport from Niger. Preliminary investigations indicate he is also a wanted fugitive in France for crimes against the state. Seba remains in custody as extradition proceedings begin, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 20. He has not commented on the allegations.
BBC NewsAnti-France Activist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa for Inciting Rebellion in Benin
Kemi Seba, a prominent anti-France activist and social media influencer, has been arrested in South Africa on charges of inciting rebellion. The arrest stems from his open support for a foiled coup attempt in Benin that occurred last year. Born in France to parents from Benin, Seba was stripped of his French nationality two years ago due to his persistent efforts to fuel anti-French sentiment across the continent. With over 1.5 million followers on various social media platforms, he has become a significant voice in pan-Africanist circles. However, authorities and critics have accused him of acting as a mouthpiece for Russian propaganda, leveraging his influence to destabilize pro-Western governments in West Africa. This detention highlights the growing tensions between former colonial powers and rising nationalist movements in Africa, as well as the geopolitical struggle involving external actors like Russia. The incident underscores the legal and political risks faced by digital influencers who engage in radical political activism across international borders.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesPan-Africanist Influencer Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa Amid Extradition Proceedings
Kemi Seba, a prominent Pan-Africanist influencer known for his radical anti-France rhetoric, was arrested in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside his son. The arrest occurred on Monday at a shopping center, where authorities also detained a facilitator who allegedly received 250,000 rand to help them cross into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River. South African police stated that the duo intended to continue their journey toward Europe from Zimbabwe. Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is currently subject to extradition proceedings. He faces prosecution in Benin for apologizing for crimes against state security and inciting rebellion, specifically related to supporting a December coup attempt. Born Franco-Beninese, Seba was stripped of his French nationality in 2024 and holds a diplomatic passport from Niger. With 1.5 million social media subscribers, he leads the NGO 'Pan-Africanist Emergencies' and supports military regimes in the Sahel that are hostile to Paris and aligned with Russia. His court appearance has been postponed to April 20, 2026, and he remains in pre-trial detention as legal processes unfold.
lefigaro