EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
“His only ‘radicalism’ is telling the truth”: Kemi Seba Representative Speaks to Southern Africa Eye News from South Africa
By – Faisal Iqbal, Southern Africa Eye News
July 13, 2026
Sandton, Johannesburg, July 13, 2026 – In an exclusive written interview with Southern Africa Eye News, Mr. Hery Djehuty, a International representative of Urgences Panafricanistes and Pan-African activist Kemi Seba spoke on his arrest in South Africa, the fight against neocolonialism, and the way forward for Africa’s youth.
The following responses were submitted in writing by a representative of Urgences Panafricanistes while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Opening & Background
SAEN: Mr. Seba is widely known across Africa for his pan-African advocacy. For our audience, can you explain what core principles drive his work and the Urgences Panafricanistes movement?
Representative: Kemi Seba represents, above all, 27 years of activism in service of African and Afro-descendant communities. His political journey began in France before naturally continuing in Africa and across the globe wherever melanodermic people reside.
One of the fundamental principles of his political activism lies in the nonviolent nature of his struggle, as well as his ability to mobilize the masses—an ability rooted primarily in his eloquence, which his political enemies view as his greatest weapon.
This is why his detractors, unable to respond to him on the merits of his arguments, find themselves forced to demonize him by attempting to portray him as supposedly “radical.” His only “radicalism,” however, is simply stating truths in support of the emancipation of the Afro-descendant peoples.
By founding the NGO Urgences Panafricanistes in late December 2015, his aim was to establish an organization capable of acting on two fronts: political awareness and the awakening of the masses, while simultaneously engaging in charitable work on the ground. All of this was done with independence and responsibility, based on the belief that the solution to our problems could come only from ourselves. Hence the slogan: “What the elites do not do for the people, the people will do for themselves.”
On South Africa and the Arrest
SAEN: What message did Mr. Seba come to South Africa to deliver, and why is this moment important for Southern Africa?
Representative: While in South Africa, Kemi Seba feels just as at home as he does in any other African country. Winnie Mandela, Steve Biko, and Desmond Tutu are among the figures who have inspired his political journey.
Positioning himself as an opponent of the despotic regime in Benin—which was subservient to pro-French neocolonialism—South Africa allowed him to pursue and coordinate his strategy.
SAEN: Can you walk us through the circumstances that led to Mr. Seba’s arrest in South Africa? From your perspective, what were the real reasons behind it?
Representative: Kemi Seba was served with an international arrest warrant by his country’s government on December 13, 2025. He was thus falsely accused of supporting the December 7 coup in Benin.
It was this very same process of liberation that was supposed to come to Benin, a country that since 2016 has seen a tightening of restrictions on civil liberties, with all opposition figures either arrested or forced into exile. It was for this reason that when the coup broke out, Kemi Seba, stepping up to his responsibilities, decided in a video to speak of a day of liberation for Benin.
This simple statement led to him being accused of condoning the coup and, to add to the absurdity of the charges, of money laundering and financing terrorism. This is the classic tactic used by our corrupt governments to demonize and criminalize opponents who seek change.
SAEN: Do you believe this arrest is part of a broader pattern of silencing pan-African leaders?
Representative: This case goes far beyond a simple arrest for overstaying a visa. At the heart of this case lies the desire of neocolonial forces to put an end to the efforts to awaken the masses led by one of the most inspiring voices of Pan-Africanism in recent years.
Benin remains the main player, but the one playing the most active role behind the scenes is France, with its diplomatic networks in South Africa. All of this is undoubtedly carried out with complicity at the local level in South Africa.
SAEN: What are the current charges against him, and how is the legal team responding?
Representative: There are two cases: one involving illegal border crossings and violations of the law, which concerns him and his son; and another proceeding—this time involving only Kemi Seba—regarding a request for extradition to Benin. It is this proceeding that lies at the heart of the case.
As for the extradition proceedings, we are completely at ease regarding the conduct of the hearings and await the substantive hearings with the utmost calm.
Support, Media and The Youth
SAEN: What kind of support has Mr. Seba received from South African civil society?
Representative: Our NGO has received support from organizations specializing in South African human rights issues that are closely monitoring the case. We also have a large French-speaking community that knows Kemi Seba and is reaching out to us to support him by visiting him in prison or attending the various court hearings.
SAEN: Why do you think this message resonates so strongly with youth across the continent right now?
Representative: Since his permanent return to Africa in 2011, Kemi Seba has made social justice, the fight against networks of economic exploitation in Africa, and the poor governance of African leaders the core of his struggle.
We have an awakened African youth who, with access to alternative information via the internet, no longer falls for the false narrative of the mainstream media. This youth rejects the defeatism of its leaders and harbors no inferiority complex toward the West.
SAEN: What role should South Africa play in leading a new, united Africa free from neo-colonial influence?
Representative: Africa must exercise leadership that extends beyond local issues. The primary challenge facing your country remains the issue of social justice. As long as this fundamental issue remains unresolved, you will continue to sit on an extinct volcano that could erupt at any moment.
SAEN: What can South Africans and the broader Southern African community do right now to support Mr. Seba and the cause?
Representative: The cause he defends remains one that speaks on behalf of the collective African interest. South Africa must therefore remain true to its tradition of fighting against colonialism. We must establish information-sharing mechanisms and strengthen cooperation among organizations—which is what we are working to achieve.
Closing
SAEN: What is the next step for Urgences Panafricanistes in South Africa and the region?
Representative: We are fully focused on securing the release of our president as well as that of his son, Khonsou Seba. This situation has allowed us to strengthen our foothold in this region of Africa, which was not traditionally one of our focal points. Our network is growing and we have a whole series of projects.
SAEN: What would be Mr. Seba’s direct message to the youth of South Africa and Africa if he could speak to them today?
Representative: To believe in herself and her destiny, and to set aside the ethnic and religious divisions that are holding her back from liberating her land.
SAEN: Finally, how do you want history to remember Kemi Seba’s work?
Representative: What we should remember about him is his tireless devotion to his people, no matter where they may be; his abhorrence of injustice and arbitrariness; and his determination to stand with pride and unwavering resolve against those who attack our people and our interests.
We thank Southern Africa Eye News for allowing us to relay this message in English and thus serve as a counterweight to the false narrative concocted by French neocolonial outlets.
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Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted in writing with a representative of Kemi Seba. The views expressed are those of the interviewee. Southern Africa Eye News is providing this platform as part of its commitment to diverse African voices.
This interview was conducted in writing. It has been edited for clarity and length.
— Southern Africa Eye News
