Prominent Beninese activist Kémi Séba (born Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi) was arrested in South Africa, where he sought bail from a court in Pretoria. Séba is wanted by authorities in Benin in connection with an attempted coup in December, with an international warrant issued for his arrest on charges of "inciting rebellion" and crimes against the state for supporting the failed coup. His case, heard at a magistrates court, was postponed until May 11, with an earlier hearing scheduled for April 20. Reports indicated Séba was arrested alongside his son. Séba has previously stated he is "freed from the burden of French nationality," calling it "the day of liberation."
Charges in South Africa
Kémi Séba faces accusations in South Africa of attempting to exit the country illegally, according to reports. He and his son were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and immigration violations. Authorities allege they planned an illegal migration to Europe via Zimbabwe, with Séba reportedly attempting to flee through Zimbabwe. Séba, his son, and Francois van der Merwe have all submitted bail applications. The arrest occurred in Pretoria, South Africa's capital. A "facilitator" who allegedly helped them was also detained. According to reports, a third accomplice, also in detention, was accused of paying approximately R250,000 ($15,000; £11,000) to facilitate the cross-border movements.
Benin's Extradition Bid
South African police are initiating the extradition process to Benin for Kémi Séba, with plans for his extradition already underway. Séba had previously posted a video on social media expressing support for last year's foiled coup attempt in Benin. In the video, Séba declared it was "the day of liberation" for his country. The attempted coup in Benin was reportedly foiled within hours with assistance from Nigeria and France. Séba has strongly criticized France, Benin’s former colonial ruler, and its economic and political interests in Benin and the wider West African region. He is known for opposing French influence in Africa and for backing West African military leaders. Séba has also been a vocal supporter of recent coups in West Africa and of pro-Russian sentiments, leading to accusations that he spreads Russian propaganda. Thomas Gassilloud, then chairman of the National Assembly's defence committee, accused him of being a mouthpiece "for Russian propaganda." Séba and his son appeared at the Brooklyn magistrates’ court on Wednesday.
Background and Wider Context
Kémi Séba has reportedly been sentenced multiple times in France for inciting racial hatred and is often accused of anti-Semitism. His French citizenship was revoked earlier in 2024, but he was subsequently granted a Niger diplomatic passport. According to reports, this passport designated him a "special adviser" to Niger junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani. Séba heads the NGO Pan-Africanist Emergency and has accumulated 1.5 million followers online. The 45-year-old activist operates amid a regional shift where military leaders in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have halted military cooperation with France and begun working with Russia. Séba's alleged support for the attempted coup in Benin relates to an event on December 7, when mutinying soldiers claimed to have overthrown the Beninese president.