South African police have arrested Kemi Seba, a French-born Beninese activist wanted in Benin for "inciting rebellion." Seba was detained in Pretoria on Monday while allegedly attempting to flee to Europe via Zimbabwe. Police stated Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is also a "wanted fugitive" in France.
Seba, 45, is known for his anti-colonial stance and opposition to French influence in Africa. He was arrested with his 18-year-old son and a facilitator who allegedly accepted 250,000 South African rand ($15,000) to aid their illegal crossing into Zimbabwe. Seba has been vocal in his support for military leaders in West Africa and has faced accusations of spreading Russian propaganda. Benin issued an international arrest warrant for Seba after he declared support for a foiled coup attempt in December.
He has been sentenced in France for inciting racial hatred and accused of anti-Semitism. In 2024, he publicly burned his French passport after being stripped of his citizenship. Seba also received a Niger diplomatic passport, designating him an "special adviser" to the junta leader. He has not commented on the current allegations.