'Fearing for my life' - Anti-colonial activist Kemi Seba seeks political asylum as South Africa delays bail ruling | Collector and I sought refuge,” the statement read. “I firmly deny having any connection or association whatsoever with terrorist organisations.” Defence lawyer Bill Kobras claimed that Seba has faced systematic ‘harassment’ from the Beninese and French governments, effectively resulting in his expulsion from his home country. To satisfy bail conditions, the Embassy of the Republic of Niger has provided a formal undertaking to accommodate Seba at an embassy residence in Pretoria. “If he is released on bail, he undertakes to report to the refugee centre within 24 hours,” Kobras said, noting that administrative hurdles have delayed the capture of the activist's biometric data. Seba, born Stelio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested earlier in April on an international warrant. Authorities in Benin have accused the activist of 'incitement to rebellion' and 'undermining state security' following his public support for a failed coup attempt in Benin. Seba gained international notoriety after burning a CFA franc banknote in 2017. He was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024.""> and I sought refuge,” the statement read. “I firmly deny having any connection or association whatsoever with terrorist organisations.” Defence lawyer Bill Kobras claimed that Seba has faced systematic ‘harassment’ from the Beninese and French governments, effectively resulting in his expulsion from his home country. To satisfy bail conditions, the Embassy of the Republic of Niger has provided a formal undertaking to accommodate Seba at an embassy residence in Pretoria. “If he is released on bail, he undertakes to report to the refugee centre within 24 hours,” Kobras said, noting that administrative hurdles have delayed the capture of the activist's biometric data. Seba, born Stelio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested earlier in April on an international warrant. Authorities in Benin have accused the activist of 'incitement to rebellion' and 'undermining state security' following his public support for a failed coup attempt in Benin. Seba gained international notoriety after burning a CFA franc banknote in 2017. He was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024.""> and I sought refuge,” the statement read. “I firmly deny having any connection or association whatsoever with terrorist organisations.” Defence lawyer Bill Kobras claimed that Seba has faced systematic ‘harassment’ from the Beninese and French governments, effectively resulting in his expulsion from his home country. To satisfy bail conditions, the Embassy of the Republic of Niger has provided a formal undertaking to accommodate Seba at an embassy residence in Pretoria. “If he is released on bail, he undertakes to report to the refugee centre within 24 hours,” Kobras said, noting that administrative hurdles have delayed the capture of the activist's biometric data. Seba, born Stelio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested earlier in April on an international warrant. Authorities in Benin have accused the activist of 'incitement to rebellion' and 'undermining state security' following his public support for a failed coup attempt in Benin. Seba gained international notoriety after burning a CFA franc banknote in 2017. He was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024."">

'Fearing for my life' - Anti-colonial activist Kemi Seba seeks political asylum as South Africa delays bail ruling

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'Fearing for my life' - Anti-colonial activist Kemi Seba seeks political asylum as South Africa delays bail ruling

"A Pretoria court on Monday postponed its decision on the bail application of Beninese activist Kemi Seba until Tuesday, May 19. The delay comes as the pan-Africanist formally seeks political asylum following his arrest in April. During the hearing, the defence read an affidavit in which Seba categorically denied the allegations put forward against him, saying his life was in danger if he returned to Benin. “I have not returned to the country fearing for my life and political persecution <...> and I sought refuge,” the statement read. “I firmly deny having any connection or association whatsoever with terrorist organisations.” Defence lawyer Bill Kobras claimed that Seba has faced systematic ‘harassment’ from the Beninese and French governments, effectively resulting in his expulsion from his home country. To satisfy bail conditions, the Embassy of the Republic of Niger has provided a formal undertaking to accommodate Seba at an embassy residence in Pretoria. “If he is released on bail, he undertakes to report to the refugee centre within 24 hours,” Kobras said, noting that administrative hurdles have delayed the capture of the activist's biometric data. Seba, born Stelio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested earlier in April on an international warrant. Authorities in Benin have accused the activist of 'incitement to rebellion' and 'undermining state security' following his public support for a failed coup attempt in Benin. Seba gained international notoriety after burning a CFA franc banknote in 2017. He was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024."

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