Trump to Name DRC Envoy as Kinshasa Seeks Mineral Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump will report that Lebanese-born businessman and father-in-law Massad Boulos will be appointed as his daughter Tiffany as a special envoy for the Great Lakes region of Africa. The move coincides with a mineral rights agreement between Dr. Congo and Washington, which allows U.S. companies to operate in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the country. The mineral-rich territory is currently under attack by the M23 rebels. However, Kinshasa believes that the presence of the United States may prevent rebel attacks and help end the rebellion. Patrick Muyaya, spokesman for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said the deal would also help diversify the country’s predominantly China-based mining industry. Analysts believe Blos was appointed to the position because he spent a large part of his early career in Nigeria.
source: Traffic lights
