Beninese Activist Kémi Séba Arrested by French Police in Paris
Beninese activist Kémi Séba was arrested by French police in Paris, according to news reports.
Séba was taken into custody on Monday while having lunch with a colleague at a restaurant.
He is known for speaking out against France’s strong influence in French-speaking West African countries.
Recently, Séba was appointed as an advisor to Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who took power in a coup in July 2023, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.
Since then, Niger has cut ties with Western countries and asked French, American, and German troops to leave.
Séba used a Nigerien diplomatic passport to enter France, which caught the attention of authorities and led to his arrest.
Séba is the founder of the group Urgences Panafricanistes and has led protests against French influence. He once burned a CFA franc note, a currency used in many former French colonies in Africa, calling it a symbol of colonialism.
He used to hold French nationality but gave up his passport last year, and his French citizenship was later revoked.
Séba’s protests have gained a lot of support, especially from young people in West Africa.
The arrest of Kémi Séba, a prominent anti-French activist, has sparked concerns about France’s influence in West Africa. His arrest is a significant development in the region, and its implications are yet to be fully understood.
A: The exact reason for his arrest is unclear, but it is believed to be related to his use of a Nigerien diplomatic passport to enter France.
A: The arrest of Kémi Séba highlights the ongoing tensions between France and several West African countries over issues such as colonial legacy and influence.
A: Relations between France and some West African countries have been strained in recent months, with some countries cutting ties with France and demanding the departure of French troops.
