Wanted Pan-African Activist Arrested in South Africa Over Alleged Role in Benin Coup Support
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South African authorities have confirmed the arrest of French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba in connection with allegations linked to an attempted coup in Benin. The arrest reportedly took place in Pretoria during a coordinated operation involving security officials tracking his movement across borders.
Seba, whose birth name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was detained alongside his 18-year-old son at a shopping complex. A third individual accused of assisting their attempted cross-border movement was also arrested in the same operation.
Police say the activist was allegedly trying to exit South Africa through Zimbabwe with plans to reach Europe. Authorities further claim the escape attempt involved payment to a facilitator who arranged illegal transit across regional borders.
Benin has issued a warrant for Seba, accusing him of inciting rebellion following a failed military takeover attempt in late 2024. He is alleged to have publicly supported the coup effort, which was quickly suppressed with regional assistance.
South African officials also stated that preliminary checks suggest Seba is wanted in both France and Benin for offences tied to state security concerns. His legal status and potential extradition are now under formal review by the courts.
Seba is widely known across Francophone Africa for his outspoken criticism of Western influence on the continent and his support for military-led governments in parts of West Africa. His online following and activism have made him a polarising figure across diaspora and political circles.
Supporters of Seba have rejected the allegations, describing the arrest as politically driven and aimed at silencing dissenting Pan-African voices. They argue that his activism has consistently challenged established global power structures, making him a target for state authorities.
He remains in custody as legal proceedings continue, with South African authorities indicating that extradition processes may follow pending court decisions. The case has further intensified debates within African diaspora communities over activism, sovereignty politics, and the limits of political expression across borders.
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