Kemi Seba arrested in South Africa after seeking asylum
via SeneNews6 min read
Kemi Seba, a Franco-Beninese influencer, was arrested last week by South African police in Pretoria after requesting political asylum. He faces an arrest warrant in Benin, where he is accused of supporting a December coup attempt. Seba's lawyer, Sesedi Phooko, stated that they are currently only charged with illegal immigration, an accusation they dispute given his asylum application. Seba, who has been in South Africa for five months, had overstayed his two-month visa, according to a source close to him. He was arrested alongside François van der Merwe, leader of the Afrikaner identity group Bittereinders. The prosecutor requested a report to verify Seba's passport authenticity, residency status, and money laundering suspicions. Seba, head of the NGO "Urgences panafricanistes," has been critical of France and African governments allied with Paris. He praised the December 7 "day of liberation" in Benin during the failed coup attempt. Seba, 45, was stripped of his French nationality in 2024 and holds a Nigerien diplomatic passport granted by the junta that came to power in 2023. He was previously held in France in October 2024 over suspected ties to the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, but was later released, though the investigation continues. Both Seba and van der Merwe reportedly have ties to Russia. Seba's arrest coincides with the circulation of private recordings where he criticizes military leaders in several Sahel countries and Russia.
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Following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, the Ballon d'Or hierarchy has significantly changed. Based on bookmaker odds, individual tournament performances, and the World Cup's traditional influence on France Football journalists' votes, a consensus has emerged around five top candidates. Lamine Yamal of Spain and FC Barcelona leads the projections. At 19, he is a World Cup champion and was a key technical leader for Spain throughout the competition, fulfilling the criteria valued by voters: a collective trophy, impact in major matches, and his established status as a top global prospect. Harry Kane of England and Bayern Munich remains a strong contender due to his high-level club season, despite England's semi-final elimination. Kylian Mbappé of France and Real Madrid, the World Cup's top scorer with 10 goals despite France's semi-final exit, is statistically strong, though the lack of an international trophy this year might hinder his candidacy compared to those associated with Spain's victory. Ousmane Dembélé of France and Paris SG, the reigning title holder, maintains a credible candidacy due to his consistent season-long performance, even though his World Cup journey with France did not go all the way. Lionel Messi of Argentina, despite the final loss, is still considered a serious contender by several betting markets. His exceptional World Cup, marked by goals and assists, and the symbolic weight of a probable final global tourn
Must ReadGeneral Birame Diop, former Minister of the Armed Forces of Senegal, has been officially appointed president of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Commission for the 2026-2030 term. His appointment was confirmed on July 19, 2026, during the 69th ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. General Diop succeeds Omar Alieu Touray as head of the regional institution's executive body. His candidacy, supported by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was formalized on May 31, 2026, after Senegal was designated to lead the Commission during the 68th ordinary session in Abuja in December 2025, marking a first for the country. This appointment is particularly significant as it coincides with Bassirou Diomaye Faye's selection to assume the rotating presidency of the Conference of Heads of State. This configuration places Senegal at both the political and executive helm of ECOWAS, an unprecedented situation in the organization's history. A career officer with over thirty years of experience, General Birame Diop has held several strategic positions within the Senegalese army, including Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces 2020-2021, Special Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic 2018-2020, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force 2015-2017. He also has international experience, notably with the United Nations, where he served as military advisor to the Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations.
Must ReadAt the 69th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, ECOWAS appointed the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as the chairman of the regional organization. This designation reflects his influence within the institution and his consistent vision. Before his peers, he presented a clear assessment of the Community's situation, noting a resilient but vulnerable economy, a region weakened by terrorism, and institutions in need of reform. To address these challenges, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye outlined several priorities: operationalizing the regional counter-terrorism force, pooling resources among member states, strengthening the Community's financial autonomy, and better protecting populations affected by insecurity. In accepting this responsibility, Bassirou Diomaye Faye acknowledged ECOWAS's fifty-year legacy of solidarity, integration, and collective development among regional countries. He pledged to uphold this legacy by adapting it to contemporary challenges, including collective security, institutional stability, political and economic sovereignty, and a stronger, more audible, and credible voice for West Africa on the international stage. President Faye concluded the session by proclaiming, "Long live ECOWAS! Long live a reconciled and united West Africa!"