Five Democratic Party lawmakers in the United States Congress wrote to Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s advisor on African affairs, requesting detailed explanations about agreements concerning mineral extraction in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These agreements followed peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda.
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Their letter referenced a joint statement issued on April 25 by both Kinshasa and Kigali, released in collaboration with Qatar and the United States. The statement addressed a roadmap for dialogue aimed at ending fighting and pursuing lasting peace in eastern Congo.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the Trump administration had not clearly outlined the laws or policies backing these talks, particularly whether the U.S. was seeking to engage in mineral extraction agreements in the DRC.
They called for clarification on the legal frameworks and regulations governing these deals, and demanded transparency in how they would be implemented.
According to Africa Confidential, the lawmakers accused the Trump administration of treating the conflict in eastern Congo as a business opportunity rather than a diplomatic issue.
They argued that the main interest seemed to be helping American companies access valuable minerals and invest, rather than focusing on humanitarian aid or medical support for people in the Kivu region.
In their letter, the lawmakers also called for the resumption of U.S. humanitarian operations and increased health assistance in conflict-affected areas of the DRC.
They further raised concerns similar to those voiced about South Sudan, where some citizens reportedly sought to travel to the U.S. but were denied visas. This followed remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accused the government of Juba of trying to “manipulate” the U.S.
The lawmakers fear that business deals may also be in place there, potentially allowing American companies access to oil and minerals, with Massad Boulos possibly playing a key role in orchestrating such plans.
