Rafiou Sow, a prominent Guinean opposition figure and president of the Party for the Renaissance and Progress (PRP), was arrested in Canada on June 20, 2026, on charges related to drug trafficking. The arrest occurred in Montreal, where Sow had been living in exile since 2022.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Sow is accused of involvement in a cocaine trafficking network that operated between South America, Canada, and West Africa. The investigation, codenamed Project HOPE, began in 2024 and led to multiple arrests across Canada.
Sow, who fled Guinea after being accused of plotting against the government of President Mamady Doumbouya, had been seeking political asylum in Canada. His lawyer, Jean-Pierre Roussel, stated that Sow denies all allegations and plans to fight the charges in court.
The Guinean government has not officially commented on the arrest, but sources close to the presidency indicate that extradition proceedings may be initiated. Sow's supporters in Guinea have called for his release, claiming the charges are politically motivated.
