What Benin's Failed Coup Reveals About Moscow’s Influence in Africa

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Pro-Russian Influencers in Africa":"The extradition trial in South Africa has shed light on a network of pro-Russian actors in Africa, including Kemi Seba, a social media influencer who was wanted for 'inciting' the coup in Benin. Seba, who has about 1.5 million Facebook followers, has been vocal in criticizing French neocolonialism in Francophone Africa. He was stripped of his French nationality in July 2024 after being arrested for allegedly inciting anti-French and antisemitic sentiment. Seba was appointed as a special advisor to Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani and given a diplomatic passport. This network of influencers appears to be part of a broader trend of pro-coup messaging across Africa.","

Russian Influence in Sahel Region":"Russia has fostered close ties with junta-led nations in the Sahel region, including Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Analysts suggest that Seba's pro-coup posts were part of a highly coordinated network of African diaspora influencers that worked to amplify the putschists' messaging to create a false impression of popular support for the coup. This appears to be a trend not just in the Sahel, but also across Africa.","

Democratic Backsliding and Coup Attempts":"Benin's mutineers cited cuts to health care, the cancellation of state-funded kidney dialysis, and crackdowns on political activities as reasons for their insurrection. Last year's failed putsch was the second coup attempt against President Patrice Talon, who had been accused of dismantling one of West Africa's once-vibrant democracies and jailing political opponents. Talon stepped down in April after completing his two-term limit, but not before changing the constitution to extend his presidency."}