Five Democratic U.S. Representatives have sent a letter to President Trump’s Africa advisor, Massad Boulos, seeking detailed explanations about the governance of mineral extraction tied to the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.
The letter references the joint declaration of April 25—brokered by Qatar and Washington—that laid the groundwork for a ceasefire and peace negotiations.
The lawmakers express concern that “Trump officials have not outlined the terms and conditions under negotiation for expanded U.S. access to the DRC’s critical minerals, nor how those resources will be managed transparently and equitably.” They request clarification on “specific terms and conditions” and ask how they will be disclosed publicly.
Africa Confidential reports that the Trump administration’s approach appears more transactional—prioritizing U.S. companies’ access to minerals and investment—over diplomacy or humanitarian relief in the Kivu regions.
In response, the lawmakers emphasize that Washington must “resume U.S. humanitarian and global health assistance to conflict-affected regions in the DRC,” while Trump’s advisors seem intent on replicating their transactional Africa policy.
The letter also points out parallel concerns in South Sudan, suggesting that similar deals could allow U.S. firms to access oil and minerals—another sphere where Boulos is reportedly involved—with visa bans still denying South Sudanese citizens entry into the United States.
