Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, has been named senior advisor for Africa as discussions intensify over a mineral agreement between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the State Department announced Tuesday.
Boulos, who also serves as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, will travel to Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda alongside Corina Sanders, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
The delegation will meet with regional leaders and business figures to advance efforts for peace in conflict-ridden eastern Congo and encourage U.S. private sector investments in the region.
This appointment follows speculation that Trump could position Boulos in a strategic role as Congo considers a Ukraine-style mineral deal with Washington.
Congo is home to vast reserves of critical minerals, essential for global industries. Since January, the country has faced escalating violence as the M23 rebel group captured key areas in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
More than 100,000 people have fled the region in under three months, according to UN reports. The Congolese government and others accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, allegations Kigali denies.
Mediated by Qatar’s emir, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently held surprise talks, calling for a ceasefire. The M23 group pledged to withdraw from Walikale and nearby areas, though local reports suggest their continued presence.
