Arrest in South Africa: Fugitive Beninese Activist Linked to Coup Plot

Thu Apr 16 2026 20:06:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

French-born activist Kemi Seba, wanted in Benin for inciting rebellion, has been arrested in South Africa while trying to escape to Europe.

Kemi Seba, a Beninese activist known for opposing French influence in Africa, was arrested in South Africa while allegedly attempting to flee to Europe. He faces charges in Benin for supporting a foiled coup. Seba and his son were caught in a police operation at a shopping center, with authorities revealing plans for his extradition. Known for his controversial views and past incitements of racial hatred, Seba's actions have placed him in the spotlight concerning international relations involving Africa and France.

South African police have arrested Kemi Seba, a French-born Beninese activist, while he was allegedly trying to flee to Europe through Zimbabwe.

Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is wanted in Benin on charges of inciting rebellion after supporting a coup attempt last December that was foiled with the help of Nigeria and France.

He was arrested at a shopping center in Pretoria in a police operation alongside his 18-year-old son, with authorities also detaining a facilitator allegedly paid to assist their illegal crossing to Zimbabwe.

At 45, Seba is known for opposing French influence in Africa and backing West African military leaders. His arrest follows allegations that he is a fugitive wanted in France and Benin for activities considered crimes against the state.

According to South African police, the facilitator who assisted Seba and his son was promised about 250,000 South African rand (around $15,000) to guide them across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, from where they intended to continue to Europe.

Both Seba and his son remain in custody following their court appearance on Wednesday, with the case set to resume on April 20 as plans for his extradition progress.

Seba has not yet commented on the charges against him.

Born in France to Beninese parents, he is a prominent figure with a significant social media following and heads an NGO focusing on African sovereignty. Seba has faced multiple convictions in France for inciting racial hatred and has been accused of anti-Semitism.

In 2024, he was stripped of his French citizenship and publicly burned his passport, claiming freedom from French nationality. He has also been linked as a spokesperson for entities promoting Russian influence in Africa, alongside military leaders in Niger and Burkina Faso who are shifting focus away from French military cooperation.

Following the attempted coup in Benin, Seba had encouraged the uprising via social media, describing the day of the coup as a day of liberation for his country. In the aftermath, an international warrant was issued for his arrest due to his alleged involvement.