Beninese activist Kémi Séba was arrested by French police while dining at a Paris restaurant, according to reports. Séba is a prominent critic of France’s influence in West Africa and has become known for leading anti-French protests, particularly against the CFA franc, which he views as a colonial relic.

His arrest comes shortly after Séba was appointed as an advisor to Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, following the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, Niger has distanced itself from Western countries and expelled foreign troops from France, the U.S., and Germany.

Séba reportedly entered France using a Nigerien diplomatic passport, drawing the attention of authorities, which likely led to his detention. There has been no official statement regarding the reason for his arrest.

Séba, who previously renounced his French citizenship, founded the Urgences Panafricanistes group and has garnered significant support, especially from West African youth, for his activism against French influence in the region.