Kemi Seba: Arrest of Activist Sparks Controversy in South Africa

Thu Apr 16 2026 14:43:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

French-born activist Kemi Seba, known for his anti-colonial stance and support for the Benin coup plot, was arrested in South Africa while attempting to escape to Europe.

Kemi Seba, a prominent Beninese activist, was nabbed by South African authorities as he allegedly tried to flee to Europe. Wanted in Benin on charges of \"inciting rebellion\" linked to a foiled coup, Seba is under scrutiny for his anti-colonial views and support of military leaders in West Africa. Along with his son, he was arrested in Pretoria during a police sting operation. Seba has a controversial past, including accusations of spreading Russian propaganda and inciting racial hatred, and remains in police custody as extradition proceedings begin.

South African police have arrested Kemi Seba, a French-born Beninese activist, while he was allegedly trying to escape to Europe through Zimbabwe. Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is wanted in Benin on charges of inciting rebellion after showing support for a failed coup last December.

He was detained on Monday at a shopping center in Pretoria, along with his 18-year-old son, and a facilitator accused of helping them cross illegally into Zimbabwe has also been arrested. The police reported that the facilitator was paid around 250,000 South African rand (approximately $15,000) for their move.

Known for opposing French influence in Africa and backing military leaders in the region, Seba has faced multiple allegations, including spreading Russian propaganda. South African police claimed that he is a wanted fugitive in both France and Benin for serious criminal activities related to state crimes.

Following his arrest, he and his son were presented in court and have been remanded in custody until April 20, when further proceedings for his extradition are expected.

Seba, who boasts 1.5 million followers online, heads the NGO Pan-Africanist Emergency, and has previously faced legal troubles in France for inciting racial hatred. Notably stripped of his French citizenship in 2024, he publicly burned his passport, stating he was "freed" from French nationality.

During the December coup attempt in Benin, Seba reportedly declared it a "day of liberation" for the nation, prompting authorities to issue an international warrant for his arrest following the coup’s swift suppression.