KEMI Séba, a prominent Beninese activist and critic of French influence in West Africa, has been arrested by French police in Paris. Séba, who is well-known for his anti-colonial activism, was detained on Monday while having lunch at a Parisian restaurant with a colleague, according to media reports.
Advisor to Niger’s coup leader
The reasons for Séba’s presence in France remain unclear, and French authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the arrest. However, Séba recently gained attention after being appointed as an advisor to General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger’s military leader. Tiani came to power following a coup in July 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Since the coup, Niger has cut ties with several Western nations and demanded the withdrawal of French, American, and German military forces from its territory. Séba’s use of his Nigerien diplomatic passport to enter France is believed to have drawn the attention of authorities, leading to his detention.
Anti-colonial activism and French nationality revoked
Séba is the founder of the Pan-African campaign group Urgences Panafricanistes and has been at the forefront of protests against France’s continued influence in its former colonies. One of his most high-profile actions was the symbolic burning of a CFA franc note, a currency used in several West African countries, which Séba claims is a vestige of French colonialism.
Once a French citizen, Séba made headlines last year when he tore up his French passport in protest. His French nationality was subsequently revoked, further fuelling his campaign against French involvement in African affairs. His anti-French stance has garnered significant support, especially among young people in Francophone West Africa.
Uncertain future
As of now, there are no further details on the charges Séba may face or the next steps in his case. His arrest, however, is likely to intensify debates about France’s relationship with its former African colonies and could potentially fuel further protests across West Africa.
