The public display took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in what M23 described as a direct response to violations of a recently agreed ceasefire.
In a statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the captured individuals were responsible for recent insecurity in and around Goma and South Kivu.
The group praised the ARC for its “professionalism” and claimed their actions had halted civilian massacres in the region.
AFC/M23, which controls large swathes of eastern Congo, also accused Burundi of playing a destabilising role by deploying troops in support of the Kinshasa regime and by financing and arming Wazalendo militias via the eastern Congolese town of Uvira.
“We commend the professionalism of the ARC, whose actions not only brought an end to the massacres of civilians… but also exposed Burundi’s involvement,” the statement read.
The rebel group further accused the Congolese government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, of repeatedly violating the April 23 joint declaration and the unilateral ceasefire announced by AFC/M23.
“We alert the national and international community to the repeated violations by the Kinshasa regime,” the group stated, reaffirming its commitment to protecting civilians and “eliminating the threat at its source.”
Ce samedi 10 mai 2025, l'Armée Révolutionnaire Congolaise (ARC) a capturé et présenté aux médias des éléments des forces du régime de Kinshasa, notamment des FARDC, des Wazalendo et des FDLR, responsables de l'insécurité à Goma.
— Lawrence KANYUKA (@LawrenceKanyuka) May 11, 2025
The developments come just weeks after the two parties issued the rare joint statement, signalling a mutual willingness to halt hostilities and work toward a permanent truce.
The Qatar-mediated talks raised cautious optimism after years of failed ceasefires in the volatile eastern region, where more than half a dozen such agreements have collapsed since 2021.
Saturday’s public parading of captured combatants and the subsequent accusations could undermine fragile progress and reignite tensions, casting doubt on the durability of the current peace efforts.
In a public notice released on Saturday, RGB stated that Grace Room had engaged in prayer-related activities inconsistent with its registered mission, leading to the decision to revoke its legal status.
The move underscores RGB’s commitment to ensuring that all registered organizations adhere strictly to the mandates under which they were approved.
“Grace Room has been engaging in prayer-related activities that are inconsistent with its stated mission,” the notice reads.
RGB emphasized that any deviation from an organization’s declared objectives can trigger administrative action, including the withdrawal of legal recognition.
RGB reiterated its message to all faith-based entities, urging them to uphold the integrity of their legal status by aligning their operations with approved objectives and national laws.
The agency assured continued oversight and enforcement across the sector.
“The Rwanda Governance Board reminds all Faith-Based Organisations of their obligation to uphold the integrity of their legal personality,” the statement said. “Continued oversight and enforcement will be applied to ensure accountability and lawful conduct within the sector.”
Grace Room Ministries is led by Pastor Julienne Kabirigi Kabanda and is based in Nyarutarama. It is currently one of the most attended ministries in the country and has recently held high-profile events at the BK Arena, attracting large crowds.
Attempts to reach Pastor Kabanda by phone for comment were unsuccessful.
Pastor Julienne Kabanda has previously stated that she founded Grace Room Ministries in 2018 after receiving a divine revelation.
According to her, the ministry was established with a vision to help two million people receive Jesus Christ and support the vulnerable within a span of seven years.
This journey offers meaningful parallels for Rwanda, where tea remains a vital contributor to both rural livelihoods and national export revenues.
Jason Choi, Director of Sunwah Group and President of its GBA and Southwest Region, described the early challenges in Malipo: “Each household made tea in its own way—sometimes in a barbarous way. Some would cut down the tea tree entirely, harming both the environment and sustainability.” To change this, Sunwah Group invested in a modern tea processing facility.
Since its October 2023 launch, the Malipo Sunwah Tea Factory has processed over 60 tons of tea leaves, created 28 products, and introduced 11 varieties of “International Friendship Tea.” It now collaborates with 15 cooperatives and supports over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The factory’s goals are two-fold: improving local livelihoods and building a standardized, globally recognized tea industry. Malipo’s tea is now being positioned for both domestic and international markets, including Africa.
Rwanda’s own tea journey, though unique in context, shares striking similarities in ambition and reform. Rwanda’s tea production has steadily increased from 5,910 tons in 1980 to 40,003 tons by June 2024.
Smallholder farmers contribute about 65 percent of the green leaves used in production, while industrial blocs account for the rest. In 2023/2024 alone, Rwanda earned 114.8 million USD from 38,467.7 tons of tea exports, according to the Rwanda Development Board.
Notably, about 97.3 percent of Rwanda’s tea exports remain in raw form. However, the distribution of these exports offers insight into the evolving market dynamics.
Eighty percent of Rwanda’s tea exports are sold via auctions, where prices can fluctuate based on demand and quality. 17.3% are sold directly to buyers, enabling a more stable price and fostering long-term relationships with international tea importers.
A modest 2.7 percent is consumed locally, a figure that reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its export markets.
Despite these figures, Rwanda is working to shift the focus toward value-added products and greater market diversification. For instance, initiatives to increase the processing of tea into ready-to-sell products, such as tea bags, are in progress to reduce dependence on raw exports and increase revenue per unit.
The government’s drive to plant 40 million new tea seedlings as part of a broader sustainability and industry transformation strategy further underlines Rwanda’s vision to build a globally competitive tea industry.
In Malipo, the transformation was accelerated by both private investment and proactive local governance. “Even at night, government officials would offer help—talking to villages and farmers the next day,” said Choi. Diana Yinan Dai, Chief Representative of Sunwah Tea in Beijing and Yunnan, highlighted the transition from informal, manual production to a more mechanized, skill-based industry.
“We teach the locals how to make the tea properly, and they get paid… Now tea has become an industry,” she said.
This modernization has had a tangible economic impact. By 2024, Malipo’s GDP hit 11.05 billion yuan, with agriculture and related sectors contributing 3.06 billion. The average rural income rose by 7.4 percent to 16,679 yuan. Chaping Mountain’s 133-hectare ancient tea garden now stands as a cultural and economic icon.
Rwanda has similarly invested in modernizing agriculture. Digital transformation, rural infrastructure, and strategic investor partnerships are enhancing productivity and export readiness.
Digital payment systems are being rolled out across the sector to improve efficiency and transparency. These changes are expected to yield long-term cost savings and reinvestment opportunities.
Rwanda’s tea industry has also gained international recognition. Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd won first prize for BP1 (Kitabi) at the 2015 Gold Medal Tea Competition hosted by the Tea Associations of the USA and Canada, affirming the country’s quality credentials.
Drawing a compelling parallel, the experiences of Rwanda and Malipo underscore the potential for even geographically challenging regions to emerge as significant players in the global agricultural landscape. Both their journeys highlight the transformative power of innovation, strategic partnerships, and the modernization of agricultural value chains.
This transformative move builds on a longstanding partnership between the two institutions and aims to unlock up to $1 billion in lending for MSMEs in the region, with a projected impact of creating or sustaining more than 50,000 jobs.
Building on a robust collaboration established in 2018, which was later enhanced in 2020 with a $75 million facility, this renewed partnership represents the largest single guarantee engagement in AGF’s history. It targets MSMEs in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with plans to extend to future Equity Group subsidiaries over the next 10 years.
The framework will be implemented in three phases, starting with an initial USD 115 million tranche already committed to the five core subsidiaries. It will cover loans to MSMEs, with a focus on women-owned, youth-led, and green enterprises. To date, the AGF–Equity partnership has unlocked over $160 million in loans for nearly 2,000 MSMEs, including 500 women-led and 900 youth-led businesses.
“This expanded partnership with the African Guarantee Fund underscores our shared vision of empowering MSMEs, which are the backbone of African economies,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group. “By enhancing access to finance and promoting sustainable business practices, we are investing in the future of our communities, preserving jobs and driving inclusive growth across the region.”
The initiative reflects a broader strategy by Equity Group to align its lending with high-impact sectors and support its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which emphasizes strategic partnerships and collaborative development. According to Dr. Mwangi, “We see a unique opportunity to deepen our focus on high-impact SME sub-sectors, including agriculture, women- and youth-led enterprises, among others.”
AGF Group CEO Jules Ngankam also emphasized the depth of impact expected from the renewed partnership. “By supporting the bank to accelerate SME financing, we envision several development impact indicators, including increasing the number of people employed and engaged in businesses and growth of enterprises from one stage to another, for instance, from Small to Medium enterprises,” he said.
Part of the initiative’s strength lies in its alignment with the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Guarantee for Growth program.
This program aims to unlock up to $3 billion for women-led businesses in Africa. Through the AGF–Equity partnership, women entrepreneurs will benefit from increased guarantee cover and receive technical support via the Equity Group Foundation, helping to close the persistent gender finance gap.
The partnership also places environmental sustainability at the core of its mission. Through AGF’s Green Guarantee Facility and Equity’s support for coastal and freshwater livelihoods, both organizations are championing green and blue economy activities that promote sustainable use of natural resources.
In addition to financial support, AGF will continue to build capacity within Equity Group through specialized training programs, focusing particularly on gender-smart investing—an area that is increasingly crucial for ensuring inclusive growth.
Equity Group, a Pan-African financial services powerhouse listed on several stock exchanges, has grown to serve over 21.6 million customers with an asset base of $13.96 billion. Its diversified portfolio spans banking, insurance, fintech, investment, telecom, and social impact. In 2024, it was named the second strongest financial brand in the world by Brand Finance.
AGF, backed by major development institutions including DANIDA, AfDB, AFD, and the Mastercard Foundation, has already unlocked more than $5 billion in SME financing through 250 financial institutions in 44 countries. Its model of risk-sharing and capacity-building has made it a cornerstone of SME development in Africa.
The ruling followed a pre-trial detention hearing held on May 6, 2025.
In his defense, Turahirwa cited ongoing mental health challenges, which he said have led to impulsive behavior and poor judgment. He also informed the court that he has begun receiving medical and psychological treatment.
During the hearing, the Prosecution accused Turahirwa of drug trafficking, referencing his own admission during interrogation, where he acknowledged that the narcotics found in his possession had been brought from Kenya, and that he had personally consumed them.
The prosecution further argued for continued detention based on Turahirwa’s admission of possession, stating he was found with cannabis, although he disputes the quantity. The prosecutor claimed that he was in possession of 13 pellets at the time of arrest.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions, the court determined that remand in custody was warranted. Turahirwa has been in detention since April 22, 2025.
This is not the first time the fashion entrepreneur has faced legal trouble related to drugs. In April 2023, he was arrested on charges, including drug abuse and forgery.
He later admitted to cannabis use during his appearance before Nyarugenge Primary Court in May 2023 and was granted bail by the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on July 15, 2023.
Following trial proceedings, on December 20, 2024, the court found him guilty of both forgery and drug consumption, sentencing him to three years in prison and imposing a fine of Rwf 2 million, in addition to Rwf 20,000 in court fees.
Turahirwa has since appealed the conviction, though the appeal hearing has not yet taken place.
The use of black and white smoke during the papal election is one of the most recognizable and symbolic traditions of the Catholic Church. It communicates the outcome of the secretive conclave process to the world using a simple visual code: black smoke (fumata nera) indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke (fumata bianca) announces that a new pope has been chosen.
This tradition dates back to the late 19th century, becoming more consistent in the early 20th century. During the conclave, ballots are burned after each voting round. If no decision is reached, chemicals are added to the paper to produce thick black smoke, signaling the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and around the world that deliberations continue.
When a new pope is elected by the required two-thirds majority of cardinals, the ballots are burned with substances that produce white smoke—a visual message that centuries of ritual and reflection have led to a new spiritual leader.
Over the years, the Vatican has improved the process by using chemical additives to make the smoke colors more distinguishable. This adjustment was introduced after several confusing moments in past conclaves when smoke appeared gray or ambiguous. Today, the appearance of white smoke is often accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells, adding further clarity and celebration to the moment.
This sacred signal marked the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. He holds dual citizenship with Peru, a testament to his long years of missionary service in Latin America. Before his election, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a role to which he was appointed by Pope Francis in 2023.
Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the conclave of 133 cardinal electors convened in the Sistine Chapel. After two days of deliberation, they selected Cardinal Prevost, whose experience and global perspective made him a compelling choice to lead the Church through its next chapter.
From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the waiting crowd with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” a message of unity and continuity. His choice of name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his strong stance on social justice and workers’ rights, suggesting that Pope Leo XIV may likewise emphasize outreach, inclusion, and moral leadership in an increasingly complex world.
In addition to his deep pastoral experience, Pope Leo XIV’s election reflects the growing global nature of the Church. His background—rooted in both North and South America—symbolizes a bridge between cultures and traditions, and offers fresh hope to millions of Catholics around the world.
As white smoke once again rose into the Roman sky, it signaled more than the end of a conclave. It marked the start of a new papacy, shaped by tradition, strengthened by global diversity, and guided by the same faith that has carried the Church for centuries.
Celebrating Mass in the Sistine Chapel alongside the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV opened with heartfelt words before switching to Italian and Latin, the traditional liturgical languages of the Vatican.
“I’ll begin with a word in English, and the rest is in Italian,” he said gently, pausing for a moment before continuing: “But I want to repeat the words from the Responsorial Psalm. I will sing a new song to the Lord because he has done marvels.”
With those words, [the new pontiff->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/catholic-church-gets-new-pope]—Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV—invited the Church to recognize the grace and wonders of God not only in his own election, but in the collective journey of the Church itself.
“And indeed, not just with me, but with all of us, my brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning, I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us.”
In his brief English introduction, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of gratitude, humility, and shared mission, calling on the cardinals to accompany him in service to the Church and the world.
“Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission. And I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue, as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel.”
“God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator…” he added.
The choice to begin in English—spoken in his native Chicago and around the globe—was not only personal but pastoral, offering a sign of accessibility to a global audience at a time when the Catholic Church is increasingly diverse and interconnected.
By invoking the image of the Church as a “community of friends of Jesus,” Pope Leo XIV set a tone of closeness, fraternity, and evangelization for his pontificate.
His words echoed across the chapel and beyond, offering a message of hope, unity, and spiritual renewal as he steps into the role of shepherd to more than a billion Catholics worldwide.
Xi made the remarks while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Russia. The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on China-Russia relations and major international and regional issues, reaching consensus on unwaveringly deepening strategic coordination and promoting the stable, healthy and high-level development of China-Russia relations.
The two leaders also called for promoting the correct historical perspective on World War II, maintaining the authority and status of the United Nations, and safeguarding international justice and fairness.
Following a grand welcoming ceremony for Xi, the two leaders held small-group and large-group talks successively.
In recent years, China-Russia ties have enjoyed stable, healthy and high-level development thanks to joint efforts from both sides, Xi said, hailing long-term good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation as distinct features of bilateral ties.
The political mutual trust between the two countries has grown ever deeper, the bond of practical cooperation ever stronger, while people-to-people exchanges and local interactions have flourished with increasing vitality, Xi said, noting that China-Russia relations have grown more confident, stable and resilient in the new era.
Xi said that history and reality have fully proved that continuing to develop and deepen China-Russia relations is integral to carrying forward the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation, adding that it is an inevitable choice for both sides to achieve mutual success and promote their own development and revitalization.
It is also the call of the times for safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting the reform of the global governance system, Xi said.
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that 80 years ago, peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices and won great victories, making remarkable historic contributions to maintaining world peace and the cause of human progress.
China will work with Russia to take a clear stand to jointly promote the correct historical perspective on World War II, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, firmly defend the victory of World War II, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and the vast number of developing countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, Xi said.
The two heads of state also received briefings from respective department leaders of the two countries regarding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Xi pointed out that China and Russia should stick to the general course of cooperation and fend off external disruptions, so as to solidify the foundation for stable cooperation and ensure stronger momentum for progress.
The two countries should tap into the resource endowments of both countries and complementary advantages of their industrial systems, and expand high-quality and mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture, aerospace and artificial intelligence, Xi said.
The two countries should take the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union as a platform to build a high-standard connectivity pattern, he said, adding that the two countries should fully unleash the potential of the China-Russia Years of Culture, strengthen cooperation in education, film, tourism, sports and local areas, and promote deep-rooted people-to-people connectivity.
The two countries should closely coordinate and cooperate on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, unite the Global South, uphold true multilateralism, and steer the right direction of global governance reform, Xi added.
Xi emphasized that China is comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, and that China possesses both the resolve and confidence to overcome all risks and challenges.
No matter how the external environment changes, China will firmly handle its own affairs well, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities bestowed by the times, safeguard the global multilateral trading system and keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and make greater contributions to promoting the development and rejuvenation of the two countries and upholding international fairness and justice.
For his part, Putin warmly welcomed Xi’s state visit to Russia and his attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. Putin noted the visit’s great significance, as it not only injected strong momentum into the development of Russia-China relations but also helped safeguard the outcomes of the victory of the World War II.
Putin said that the Russia-China relations are based on mutual equality and respect, not targeting any third party and not affected by any temporary incidents.
Unswervingly promoting the development of Russia-China relations and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation are Russia’s strategic choices, Putin said, adding that the Russian side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and has always supported China’s position on the Taiwan question.
Russia is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen practical cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, energy, agriculture, science and technology, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education, culture, youth, tourism and other areas, and expand the connotations of the Far East region cooperation.
Imposing high tariffs is senseless and illegal, and will only backfire, Putin said, adding that the two sides should enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, support the process toward a multipolar world, jointly oppose unilateralism, reject the abuse of sanctions, resist bloc confrontation, and safeguard the common interests of the international community.
Noting that both Russia and China made great sacrifices in the World Anti-Fascist War, Putin said that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people fought bravely and achieved a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, making significant contributions to the victory of World War II.
During the arduous years of war, Russia and China supported each other and forged a profound friendship, laying a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations, Putin said, adding that both sides should safeguard the authority of the United Nations and international law, preserve the correct historical narrative on World War II, uphold international fairness and justice, and work together to create a brighter future for both countries and the world.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly signed a joint statement on further deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. The two leaders jointly witnessed the exchange of over 20 bilateral cooperation documents, covering areas including global strategic stability, safeguarding the authority of international law, biosecurity, investment protection, digital economy, quarantine and film cooperation.
The two heads of state instructed the relevant departments of both countries to strengthen communication and coordination in accordance with the consensus reached by both sides, promote practical cooperation and achieve more concrete results.
The two heads of state also jointly met the press.
“We just hope that these talks will help the United States and China to move towards a more normalized relationship regarding their trade relations. As the secretary general made clear, there can be no winners in a trade war,” Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at a daily briefing.
The UN chief “is particularly worried about the situation in terms of how a global war could affect developing countries. So any effort to avoid that would be welcome,” Haq added.
He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, will visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12. During his visit to Switzerland, He, as the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Wednesday.
Construction of the airport began in 2017, spearheaded by the Government of Rwanda.
A few years later, Qatar Airways joined the venture, bringing in additional investment and expertise that led to an expansion of the original design.
Today, the project stands as one of Rwanda’s most strategic infrastructure investments, aligned with its broader National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) to boost economic growth and global connectivity.
According to Jules Ndenga, CEO of Rwanda Aviation Travel and Logistics, foundational work such as the runway, internal roads, and water drainage systems was completed by the end of 2024. The focus has now shifted to constructing the airport’s main buildings.
“We’ve moved into the vertical phase,” he explained. “The groundwork is finished—the runways, roadways and drainage systems are done. What remains is building upward, and we’re currently laying the foundations.”
“The final phase, which will complete the airport, began nearly a year ago. We are currently at the stage of excavating the building’s foundation,” he added.
Although different parts of the project fall under separate contracts, overall construction progress is being tracked as a whole.
When all the completed work is taken together, the project stands at roughly a quarter of completion.
“The combined works so far account for about 25 to 30 percent of the entire project,” Ndenga said.
The airport is being built by a joint venture of three companies: Mota-Engil from Portugal, which initiated the first phase of construction; UCC Holding from Qatar; and CCC (Consolidated Contractors Company) from Greece.
Together, they formed a unified entity called UMC, which signed the official contract with the Government of Rwanda.
According to Ndenga, this setup ensures streamlined coordination. However, these companies are free to subcontract certain works to local firms, which may supply concrete or handle internal road construction.
Despite the solid progress, Ndenga acknowledged that certain external challenges could impact the timeline.
Global economic instability, rising construction costs, and supply chain disruptions remain real concerns.
He pointed to the post-COVID period as an example, when global demand for goods surged and transportation logistics became severely strained.
Unpredictable weather is another factor. Rwanda typically schedules major construction during the dry season, but unexpected rainfall can delay critical phases of work.
“You might plan to expedite construction during the dry season, only to be caught off-guard by sudden rain. These are the kinds of challenges that can’t always be controlled,” he noted. “Fortunately, on the technical side, Rwanda has strong experience in construction.”
The project has also begun delivering on its promise of job creation. The ground work employed around 2,000 workers, and the vertical phase is expected to add another 4,000, bringing the total to over 6,000 jobs.
While many of these are formal, contracted positions, the ripple effects are being felt more broadly.
Small businesses and service providers in nearby areas like Nyabagendwa and Nyamata are seeing increased demand as workers spend their wages locally—eating at restaurants, shopping, and using local services.
“Job creation includes both direct and indirect employment,” said Ndenga. “Even if we can show you contracts for 2,000 workers, more locals benefit from the economic activity this project generates.”
Looking ahead, the first phase of Bugesera International Airport will have the capacity to handle 7 million passengers per year once completed in 2027.
The second phase, expected by 2032, will expand that capacity to 14 million passengers annually. The airport is set to become a key hub for the region, with Qatar Airways holding a 60% stake in the infrastructure.
