The much-anticipated project, which marks Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, and will feature 16 tracks.
Stromae, born Paul Van Haver, appears on a collaborative track with the Nigerian superstar titled “Pardon.”
The album also boasts a star-studded lineup of guest appearances. Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of iconic rock band The Rolling Stones, joins Burna Boy on a song titled “Empty Chairs.”
American rap heavyweight Travis Scott features on the already-released single “TaTaTa,” while Shaboozey, the Nigerian-American artist making waves in the country music scene, appears on the track “Change Your Mind.” Shaboozey is currently enjoying major chart success with his hit single “Tipsy,” which remains one of the hottest songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Following the release, Burna Boy is expected to hit the road for a global tour to promote the album.
Speaking exclusively to IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye confirmed that the new aircraft will arrive in phases, with the A330 wide-body expected in August, followed by the two Boeing 737s by September.
“There’s number four coming before the end of the year,” said Caunhye. “We’re planning for our fourth wide-body Airbus to come around August, so the paperwork is being finalised now. But number four will not be the last one—nor is it sufficient to meet all our planned requirements.”
The new aircraft are expected to boost RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by an additional 100 million, representing a 15–20% increase in capacity. Despite this growth, Caunhye noted it remains below the soaring market demand across Africa, which continues to outpace global trends.
The incoming Airbus A330 will be deployed mainly on the airline’s high-demand London Heathrow route, offering much-needed backup given the strict slot rules at the UK hub.
“Given the slot rules in London, it’s very tricky with three aircraft—when one goes down, we face challenges with our slots,” RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo told African Aerospace on the sidelines of the African Airlines Association’s 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention held in Kigali in May.
The aircraft is also expected to reinforce RwandAir’s Lagos service, another key West African destination, as the carrier aims to deepen its regional connectivity while maintaining its growing international footprint.
The fleet expansion forms part of a broader strategy that follows RwandAir’s recognition as Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, received in June at the Paris Air Show.
The accolade, which CCO Caunhye described as “a testimony to the precision of all the bolts and cogs coming together,” reflects the airline’s progress in enhancing service quality and operational resilience.
Currently, RwandAir operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, including two A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Dash 8-400s.
The upcoming additions will not only boost seat capacity but also support RwandAir’s expanding network, as the airline positions Kigali as a strategic hub connecting East, West, and Southern Africa to key international gateways such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.
Additionally, new routes to Mombasa and Zanzibar are expected by the end of 2025, with Jeddah planned for early 2026.
Beyond passenger traffic, RwandAir is also ramping up its cargo operations. The airline currently operates a Boeing 737 freighter and is exploring the acquisition of a wide-body cargo aircraft to transport Rwandan exports such as coffee and tea to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Caunhye acknowledged the challenges of operating in Africa, including high operating costs, geopolitical disruptions, and limited profit margins on long-haul routes. Still, he expressed confidence that with fleet expansion, strategic partnerships, and the upcoming completion of Bugesera International Airport, RwandAir is well-positioned to become one of Africa’s leading carriers.
“We are not yet at full equilibrium,” he said. “But with sustained investment, an expanding network, and an empowered workforce, we’re building an airline that connects Rwanda to the world—and the world to Rwanda.”
The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran and in view of the security and safety assessments under the country’s present circumstances, spokesman of the Iranian Roads and Urban Development Ministry Majid Akhavan said in a statement.
He said that the suspension of domestic and foreign flights to and from airports in Iran’s northern, southern and western parts was extended until 14:00 local time (1030 GMT) on Thursday.
He added the country’s eastern airspace, which had been reopened on June 29 to domestic and international flights, would remain open.
Iran on Saturday reopened its airspace in central and western areas to international transit flights.
The country closed its airspace on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. After a 12-day aerial conflict, the two countries achieved a ceasefire on June 24.
The two-day event marks the fourth global observance of the day and is expected to spotlight Kiswahili’s growing role in regional integration, education, diplomacy, and economic development.
Organised under the theme “Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development,” the celebrations are recognised by UNESCO and are being held in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) and the Government of Rwanda.
In a joint statement released Tuesday, the organisers said the event will serve as a platform to reaffirm Kiswahili’s importance in shaping Africa’s unity, identity, and development trajectory.
“This year’s celebration aims to reaffirm Kiswahili’s pivotal role in fostering regional integration, cultural identity, and socio-economic development across the continent,” the statement read.
The programme will feature a mix of cultural showcases — including music, poetry, and visual art performed in Kiswahili — as well as academic dialogues and expert panel discussions on the language’s application in education, technology, media, and public policy.
The East African Kiswahili Commission, headquartered in Zanzibar, is leading efforts to standardise and promote the language across the region. Established under Article 137 (2) of the EAC Treaty, the commission provides support through research, curriculum development, terminology coordination, and policy guidance.
According to the organisers, Kiswahili’s significance goes far beyond the classroom. The language is increasingly seen as a strategic tool for strengthening political ties and facilitating cross-border communication among EAC member states.
“It is also vital for effective diplomacy, enabling clearer communication and building stronger political relationships,” the statement noted.
“Economically, emphasising Kiswahili in business transactions across the African Free Trade Area enhances trade efficiency and opportunities, boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities across various sectors.”
The Kigali gathering is expected to draw a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, linguists, artists, and civil society representatives, all united in celebrating Kiswahili’s role as a language of daily life and intercultural exchange.
Kiswahili is spoken by more than 200 million people across Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. It serves as a working language of both the African Union and the East African Community, and its influence continues to expand.
Rwanda officially adopted Kiswahili as one of its four national languages in 2017, alongside Kinyarwanda, English, and French. The government further cemented its commitment in 2023 by integrating Kiswahili more deeply into public administration, education, and regional cooperation efforts, a move aligned with its obligations as an EAC member state.
Scientists and international agencies warn that this crisis is part of a broader “new era of drought,” driven by climate change and posing escalating threats to food security, ecosystems, and national economies.
{{Scorching heat grips Europe
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Germany is experiencing what may be its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius, according to the German Weather Service, which has issued extreme heat warnings across much of the country and highlighted a rising risk of wildfires, especially in the southeast.
Similar conditions are unfolding across Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, the national meteorological institute warned of “very high temperatures” and increased fire danger, with some regions expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius.
Prague’s emergency services have already responded to multiple heat-related incidents, and a fire ban remains in effect.
Slovakia’s meteorological authority issued its highest-level red alert for 10 districts on Thursday, forecasting highs up to 38 degrees Celsius as warm air masses from the west intensify the heat.
Neighboring Croatia and Romania are also on alert, with peak temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In the Netherlands, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute confirmed the country’s first official heatwave in three years. De Bilt, the national reference station, recorded five consecutive days above 30 degrees Celsius, prompting a code orange alert in the southeastern provinces.
Southern Europe is faring no better. Spain continues to endure a record-breaking heatwave, with June 2025 confirmed as the country’s hottest month on record.
The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET reported an average monthly temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius, hotter than typical July and August averages. Tragically, two farmers died on Tuesday in a wildfire that scorched 5,000 hectares in La Segarra, northeast Spain.
In Slovenia, the Environment Agency (ARSO) noted that June 2025 was not only the hottest but also the driest month since records began, with rainfall just 24 percent of the monthly average.
Heatwaves continue in Croatia, where the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) forecast maximum temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 39 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina issued an orange weather warning for July 3 and July 4, with temperatures expected to reach between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Meteorologist Bakir Krajinovic from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute said that June 2025 was unprecedented in the country’s measurement history, with zero rainfall recorded at meteorological stations in cities such as Tuzla and Mostar.
{{Drought spreading, taking toll on economy
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These escalating conditions in Europe are part of a global pattern. A new report released Wednesday, Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025, presents a stark picture. Jointly prepared by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the report warns that drought has become one of the most widespread and damaging crises of our time.
“Drought was once primarily associated with rainfall and agriculture,” said Daniel Tsegai, program officer at UNCCD. “Today, it is a multi-sectoral, systemic shock. No sector, no part of the economy, and no country is immune to its impacts.”
The report notes that the frequency of global droughts increased by 30 percent between 2000 and 2019. Driven by climate change and rising demands for land and water, droughts now threaten food supplies, water availability, biodiversity, energy systems, and public health, all critical pillars of society.
Mark Svoboda, co-author and founding director of NDMC, described the situation as “a slow-moving global catastrophe, the worst I’ve ever seen.”
The economic toll is mounting rapidly. NDMC research cites an OECD estimate that the financial cost of drought today is at least double what it was in 2000, with further increases of up to 110 percent projected by 2035.
“Ripple effects can turn regional droughts into global economic shocks,” said co-author Cody Knutson. “No country is immune when critical water-dependent systems start to collapse.”
The report warns that drought is already costing some countries up to 10 percent of their GDP annually, and may soon disrupt energy grids, food supply chains, and entire ecosystems.
{{Action, global cooperation in urgent need
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The UNCCD urges countries to act immediately by investing in early warning systems, drought monitoring, and nature-based solutions such as watershed restoration. Building resilient infrastructure, including off-grid energy and alternative water technologies, is also crucial.
Tsegai emphasized that combating drought requires shifting from reactive crisis management to proactive, long-term planning. Addressing these interconnected threats demands coordinated action across sectors and governance levels, involving ministries, local communities, and national governments alike.
Although over 80 countries have developed national drought plans, the UNCCD warns that implementation remains a major gap. Without stronger execution and cooperation, experts caution the world could face increasingly severe and widespread drought-related crises.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye expressed pride in the Skytrax accolade, calling it “a testimony to all the bits and pieces—the bolts and cogs—that come together with precision.”
He noted that the award, received at the iconic Air and Space Museum during the Paris Air Show on June 17, 2025, reflects not only RwandAir’s service excellence but also its strategic role in connecting Rwanda to global markets and promoting the national brand on the international stage.
“It’s a massive award that reflects on the country, the trust and confidence placed in us by the government of Rwanda and the authorities. Our team of just over a thousand employees combines to project a bridge that connects Rwanda to the world and the world to Rwanda,” said the CCO, who has been with RwandAir for the last six months.
“This links to verticals like tourism, economy, and corporate demand, ensuring the flows of commerce are maintained within the country and the outside world. It also allows the Rwanda brand to fly on our wings to the rest of the world,” he added.
The airline plans to maintain its momentum with an ambitious fleet expansion strategy. Caunhye confirmed the addition of a fourth Airbus A330 by August 2025, alongside two Boeing 737s scheduled to join the fleet in August and September.
The additional aircraft are expected to increase RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by 15–20%. However, Caunhye noted that this still falls short of Africa’s rapidly growing demand, which continues to rise at 12–14% annually, well above the global average of 3–4%
New routes are also on the horizon, with Mombasa and Zanzibar slated for late 2025, and Jeddah expected in early 2026. These additions aim to strengthen RwandAir’s hub in Kigali, which is strategically positioned to connect East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as key European and Middle Eastern cities such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.
“We’re far from achieving full balance,” Caunhye admitted, but the airline is strategically expanding to capture critical market share in a region where demand is robust but competition is fierce.
{{Navigating challenges in African aviation
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Operating in Africa presents unique challenges, from high operational costs to geopolitical disruptions. Caunhye highlighted the inverse relationship between flight duration and profitability: “The further you fly, the more reduced your margins.”
Unlike carriers in large domestic markets like the US or China, RwandAir relies heavily on long-haul routes, with its shortest flight to Nairobi or Entebbe lasting about 90 minutes. This increases fuel, crew, and maintenance costs, squeezing margins in a market where ticket prices are often 30-50% composed of non-airline costs like airport taxes and overflight fees.
Recent disruptions, such as the closure of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s airspace and Iran’s strike on a US base in Qatar, have tested RwandAir’s resilience. Caunhye emphasized the importance of rapid recovery, aiming to resolve disruptions within 24 hours to maintain passenger trust.
The airline is also adapting by strengthening East African networks and leveraging partnerships, such as with Qatar Airways, to expand reach without relying solely on its own fleet.
During the recent interview, Caunhye also revealed that financial sustainability remains a goal for RwandAir, which, like many state-owned African carriers, faces intense competition and escalating costs.
Caunhye acknowledged that the airline is “not yet at full equilibrium” but is on track to achieve it by doubling its fleet within five years.
This expansion aligns with the anticipated completion of the Bugesera International Airport, designed to handle 8-10 million passengers annually compared to the current Kigali airport’s 1-3 million.
“The new Kigali airport will be a game-changer,” Caunhye said, positioning RwandAir to compete with Africa’s leading aviation hubs.
{{Tapping the cargo market
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RwandAir is also eyeing Africa’s untapped cargo market. Operating a Boeing 737 freighter, the airline aims to transport Rwanda’s premium produce—coffee, tea, and other goods—to markets in China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Plans for a widebody cargo aircraft capable of seven- to eight-hour flights are in discussion to ensure fresh delivery to global markets.
Additionally, the CCO noted that strategic partnerships, including those with Visit Rwanda and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), are boosting RwandAir’s growth while promoting Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.
“We contribute to their success, and they to ours,” Caunhye noted, highlighting the synergy with Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Caunhye also highlighted the airline’s continued investment in its workforce, including efforts to nurture future talent through its pilot cadet programme. He described the initiative as an opportunity for young Rwandans to become “ambassadors of this ambitious country,” instilled with a professional ethos poised to shape the future of aviation for generations to come.
Catch the full interview below to hear more from RwandAir’s CCO, Fouad Caunhye.
The laws establishing these taxes published in the Official Gazette on May 29, 2025, are part of ongoing tax policy reforms aimed at enhancing domestic revenue collection.
When fully implemented, the measures are expected to generate an additional Frw174.1 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year and up to Frw353 billion by the 2029/2030 fiscal year.
{{Here are a few things you need to know:}}
{{1. Taxes on hybrid vehicles}}
Hybrid vehicles, which previously benefited from major exemptions since 2021, are now subject to different taxes, though these remain lower than those applied to fuel-powered vehicles.
The applicable taxes include 18 percent VAT, 5 percent withholding tax, and an excise duty based on the year of manufacture. However, Hybrid vehicles still enjoy the 25 percent import duty exemption.
Under the new excise law, vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 1500cc, as well as hybrid vehicles that are under three years old, are subject to a tax rate of 5 percent.
Vehicles with engine capacity between 1500cc and 2500cc or hybrids aged three to eight years, are taxed at 10 percent. Vehicles with engine capacity above 2500cc or hybrids older than eight years are taxed at 15 percent.
Certain vehicles are exempt from excise tax. These include minibuses and buses with a capacity of more than 14 passengers, trucks and single-cabin pickups used for transporting goods, refrigerated vehicles, tourism vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles for persons with disabilities.
Electric vehicles, their batteries, and charging equipment remain VAT-exempt until 30 June 2028.
{{2. VAT on transport of goods}}
Land transportation of goods, which was previously exempt, is now subject to 18 percent VAT starting 1 July. International transport services, however, remain zero-rated.
Entities required to charge VAT include VAT-registered taxpayers, voluntary registrants, and businesses with a turnover of Frw 5 million over three months or Frw20 million annually.
Transport services that remain VAT-exempt, when provided by licensed operators, include land transport of passengers in vehicles with a capacity of 14 or more, air passenger transport, transport by boat for passengers or cargo, and the collection and transportation of household solid waste.
{{3. Tourism tax on accommodation}}
Law Nº 015/2025 of 27/05/2025 introduces a 3 percent tourism tax on accommodation, defined as a service that provides a room or place to sleep or rest.
Accommodation providers are required to register for the tax with the Tax Administration. The tax becomes due upon receipt of payment and must be declared and paid within 15 days following the end of each declaration month.
Providers are also required to use the Electronic Invoicing System (EBM) to comply with tax regulations and ensure accurate reporting and declaration.
{{4. Environmental levy}}
Law Nº 010/2025 of 27/05/2025 establishes a 0.2 percent environmental levy on imported items packaged in plastic materials, calculated based on their customs value.
The law identifies nine categories of items subject to the levy. These include bottled water; all types of juice, energy drinks and carbonated non-alcoholic beverages; peanut butter, honey and related products; body lotions, petroleum jelly and shampoos; mattresses; clothes; shoes; all types of soaps; and toilet paper.
{{5. Motor-vehicle road maintenance levy}}
Under Law Nº 013/2025 of 27/05/2025 establishing a levy on petrol, gas oil, and motor vehicles for road maintenance, owners of locally registered motor vehicles can now declare and pay the levy according to the following vehicle categories:
-* Car and Jeep: Frw50,000
-* Pick-up, microbus, minibus, bus: Frw100,000
-* Truck and half-trailer: Frw120,000
-* Trailer: Frw150,000
The levy on motor vehicles for road maintenance is declared and paid annually to the tax administration not later than December 31 of each year.
In recent weeks, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has actively engaged with various sectors to clarify the new changes, ensuring that stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the procedures for declaration and payment.
Many have expressed optimism following these consultations, which were designed to ensure effective implementation and compliance.
The report, which concluded its investigation on April 20, alleged the presence of Rwandan troops in areas controlled by the AFC/M23 coalition and accused Rwanda of illegally extracting 3T minerals (Tungsten, Tantalum, and Tin) from the region.
In a statement shared on July 2, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, dismissed these allegations as false while reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to a newly signed US-brokered Peace Agreement aimed at stabilizing the region.
The UN report claimed that Rwandan troops were operating in AFC/M23-controlled areas, with thousands more positioned at the DRC border, preparing to enter.
Rwanda has consistently denied any military presence in eastern DRC.
Addressing the report’s findings, Makolo criticized its portrayal of Rwanda’s security measures, stating, “The report confirms DRC state support for the FDLR genocidal militia and the Congolese army’s reliance on the FDLR as a frontline fighting force, but then deliberately misrepresents Rwanda’s longstanding security concerns related to the persistent threat of the FDLR and its affiliated groups, which necessitates the defence posture in our border areas.”
Makolo also highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to the US-brokered Peace Agreement signed last Friday, which she described as a pivotal step toward resolving regional tensions.
“Following the signing of the US-brokered Peace Agreement last Friday, Rwanda is fully committed to its implementation, including the neutralization of the FDLR, which will enable the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, the safe return of refugees to their home areas, and much-needed stability in our region,” she stated.
The agreement is expected to address the FDLR threat, paving the way for improved security and the return of displaced populations.
On the allegations of illegal 3T mineral extraction, Makolo categorically rejected the claims, underscoring Rwanda’s regulated mining sector.
“Rwanda has its own 3T critical mineral reserves and unlike eastern DRC whose mining sector is mostly artisanal and characterized by predatory exploitation by armed groups and corrupt DRC officials, Rwanda operates a regulated and formalized mining sector, with investment in mineral processing and other infrastructure that allows for commercial refining of minerals and appropriate certification,” she said.
Makolo also pointed to the economic potential of the Peace Agreement, noting that it “will ultimately present opportunities for economic cooperation, with US private investment in the region to further formalize the mining sectors and allow for improved standards and revenue/tax collection by the respective governments.”
For the first time, Shazia experienced childbirth with access to doctors, medicines, and professional care. Her daughter was also the first baby delivered at one of ten new maternity clinics built by the UAE across Afghanistan, marking the start of a new chapter for maternal health in rural areas.
”Our economic condition was pretty bad all through. Now, thanks to the help we have received, we are much better off. We thank the UAE for this transformation in our lives,” Shazia said.
Her husband, Ramadan Mohammadi, recalled their struggles to access care in the past. ”Six of our children were born at home because we couldn’t afford transportation to distant hospitals. This is the first time a clinic has been built near our house, and it has been a blessing for us.”
These UAE-funded clinics have brought much needed medical care to communities that have long lacked access to even the most basic health services. Located in seven provinces – Nangarhar, Balkh, Herat, Paktia, Paktika, Helmand, and Kandahar – the facilities offer maternity and paediatric care, counselling, contraceptive services, emergency care, medicines and referrals for high-risk cases. They also serve as hubs for community outreach, offering health education, awareness programmes, and life-saving vaccinations, including for COVID-19 and BCG to protect against tuberculosis, to more than 20 people each day.
Dr. Ikramullah, a doctor at one of the clinics described the change underway, “Previously, childbirth happened at home, without any medical support, in unsafe, unhygienic conditions. It is changing now, and the people here are so delighted. We not only ensure safe deliveries, but also provide vaccinations, nutritional assistance, and continuous medical care for mothers and newborns.”
He pointed to a young child named Ayesha Qamari as an example of the progress being made, “The impact of these maternity centres is already being felt. This baby is just one of hundreds of children receiving crucial health checks and vaccinations. This will help bring down the high infant mortality rate in Afghanistan, one of the highest in the world.” According to UNICEF, more than 57 children out of 1,000 in Afghanistan die before reaching the age of five.
Ayesha’s mother shared her experience, “We have come to the clinic three or four times. Earlier, we could not afford the cost of transport to the city hospital. Many times, the sick children would not survive the long journey. We are deeply indebted to the UAE for building this clinic in our vicinity.”
Beyond healthcare, the initiative is also revitalising the local economy. Small businesses – offering services such as transportation and food supply – have emerged around the clinics and over 100 Afghans have been employed in a range of roles, from medical support to administration.
Mawlawi Ameenullah Sharif, Health Director of Nagarhar Province, noted the broader impact, “We thank the UAE for their investment in Afghanistan’s healthcare. This clinic was urgently needed, and now, the poor have access to essential services, including vaccinations, maternal care, and nutrition support.”
The clinics are all state-of-the-art, equipped with advanced medical equipment, solar power, mobile units, and ambulances – and staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals. They reflect the UAE’s commitment to improving quality of life, empowering women and children, and strengthening local communities in Afghanistan.
Expected to impact the lives of more than 100,000 women in the coming years, these facilities represent a transformative step toward accessible healthcare in some of the country’s most underserved areas.
The music mogul was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, but he was not convicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Combs, 55, faced federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, which were part of a complex legal case involving his former relationships and alleged illicit activities.
The charges stemmed from accusations that Combs used his power to coerce women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, into participating in “Freak Offs,” elaborate sex parties with male escorts.
Prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses, including Ventura, who described incidents of abuse, coercion, and detailed the nature of the “Freak Offs.”
According to media reports, Combs’ defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, countered these claims, arguing that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the prosecution had exaggerated the case.
The defense introduced text messages between Combs and Ventura to support their claim of a loving, consensual relationship.
Agnifilo also portrayed Ventura’s relationship with Combs as a “great modern love story,” distancing the charges from any real criminal wrongdoing.
Despite the defense’s efforts, Combs was convicted on the lesser charges of transporting two women for prostitution.
However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and the associated crimes of kidnapping, arson, and bribery. These charges, had they resulted in a conviction, could have led to a 20-year prison sentence or more.
The trial lasted nearly two months, and the jury’s verdict, delivered on July 2, 2025, marked a significant moment in Combs’ legal battles.
With the acquittals, Combs avoided the life sentence that had loomed over him, but he now faces up to 10 years in prison for the charges on which he was convicted.
Throughout the trial, Combs’ legal team depicted Combs as a victim of false accusations, particularly regarding the alleged abuse and forced participation in the “Freak Offs,” a term used by Combs to describe the sex parties.
The outcome of the trial provides some relief for Combs, whose reputation has been severely impacted by the charges and his time spent behind bars leading up to the trial.
