Atim Simon Mbiour
What You Need to Know
Masad Boulos, a senior advisor to former President Trump on African and Arab affairs, is engaged in a challenging diplomatic race across Africa. Despite his unconventional approach and high-profile appearances, criticisms regarding his effectiveness and potential conflicts of interest persist.
Africa. From the Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan, Masad Boulos, advisor to former President Donald Trump on African and Arab affairs, is engaged in a diplomatic race fraught with challenges, amid internal criticisms and speculation about conflicts of interest.
Boulos is known in diplomatic circles as the “Forrest Gump of diplomacy,” employing an unconventional style. He appears in every corner of the continent, carrying ambitions for peace, yet results remain elusive, according to a report by a local source focused on African affairs.
Notable Presence Amid Growing Doubts
On October 30, 2025, Boulos participated in a conference supporting peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, held in Paris, as a high-level presidential envoy. His appearance there, with distinctive sunglasses and a confident smile, reflects his unconventional diplomatic approach.
However, behind this presence, criticisms are mounting from within the White House and Congress, where some staff believe his African initiatives are wasting the president’s time without yielding results. Congressional aides complain about the lack of regular updates regarding his activities.
Tense Relations and Conflict of Interest Allegations
Veteran experts in U.S. foreign policy express reservations about Boulos’s approach, noting that he does not consult or coordinate with them. At the same time, allegations of conflicts of interest are increasing, particularly since his family has business interests in Nigeria and Lebanon, raising questions about his true motivations in certain matters, according to sources cited by a local source.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Boulos attempted to mediate between Kinshasa and Rwanda, his efforts have encountered a wall of political and field complexities. A source close to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi remarked, “The Congolese people may be with you at breakfast, but they will spit you out at lunch if you accomplish nothing.”
Sudan: Another Knot in Mediation Efforts
In Sudan, matters have not fared better, as Boulos’s attempts to break the deadlock between conflicting parties have not achieved significant breakthroughs amid escalating fighting and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. An African diplomat, according to a local source’s investigation, noted that “Boulos moves quickly, but he lacks local political depth; peace cannot be achieved through photos and meetings alone.”
Despite these challenges, Boulos continues his tours, relying on direct support from President Trump, who enjoys boasting about his peace-making achievements even before they materialize.
However, the lack of coordination with the U.S. State Department and his disregard for traditional institutions undermine his chances of success and irritate professional diplomats.
Personal Approach to Managing Issues
Boulos employs a personal style in managing issues, distancing himself from formal protocols. Last November, he organized an informal dinner for journalists at a boutique hotel in Johannesburg, where he has friendly ties with the owners, using the venue as an unofficial meeting place.
He also enlists several artists and celebrities, along with one media company owner, to support his initiatives, as reported by a local source.
This unconventional approach has garnered him popularity in some circles, but it has also raised doubts about the seriousness of his mission, especially in light of the absence of tangible results on the ground.
As the U.S. elections approach, observers wonder whether Boulos will continue his mission or if his efforts will be folded into the unfinished files of the Trump administration.
Background on Boulos and His Role in the Trump Administration
Masad Boulos hails from a Lebanese-Nigerian family with extensive business activities and gained prominence in American political circles after his son Michael Boulos’s marriage to Tiffany Trump. This familial connection allowed him to enter the president’s inner circle and undertake unconventional diplomatic tasks, particularly in Middle Eastern and African issues.
Despite lacking formal diplomatic training, Boulos has relied on personal relationships and his ability to build rapid networks, which has led him to engage in sensitive matters such as Libya and the Horn of Africa, although his contributions in these areas have been widely debated, according to a report by a local source.
Between Ambition and Reality
Boulos, known for his direct style and ability to forge quick relationships, now faces a real test: can he turn his notable presence into tangible diplomatic results? Or has time run out amid the complexities of African issues and declining confidence in his ability to foster peace?
In any case, Boulos remains a controversial figure, balancing personal ambition with official duties, navigating a gray area between politics and diplomacy, and between personal interests and presidential missions, as concluded by a local source.
Masad Boulos, of Lebanese-Nigerian descent, gained prominence in U.S. political circles through his connection to the Trump family, particularly via his son Michael’s marriage to Tiffany Trump. This familial link allowed him access to the inner circle of the Trump administration, where he undertook unconventional diplomatic roles, especially concerning the Middle East and Africa.
Despite lacking formal diplomatic training, Boulos has relied on personal relationships and rapid networking to engage in sensitive issues like Libya and the Horn of Africa. However, his contributions have sparked considerable debate, highlighting the tension between ambition and the complexities of African geoplit.
