Musad Boulos: Will His African Deals Succeed in Making Peace?

SadaNews - From the Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan, Musad Boulos, advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for African and Arab affairs, is moving in a diplomatic race fraught with challenges amid internal criticisms and speculations about conflicts of interest.

Boulos is known in diplomatic circles as "the Forrest Gump of diplomacy,” showcasing an unconventional diplomatic style. He appears in every corner of the continent carrying an ambition to make peace, but the results remain elusive, according to a report published by the site "Africa Report," which focuses on African affairs.

Noteworthy Presence Amid Growing Doubts

On October 30, 2025, Boulos participated in the Peace and Prosperity Conference for the Great Lakes Region - held in Paris - as a high-level presidential envoy.

His appearance there, complete with distinctive sunglasses and a confident smile, reflects his unconventional approach to diplomatic work.

However, behind this presence, criticisms are piling up from within the White House and Congress. Some staffers believe that his African engagements are consuming the President's time without purpose, while congressional aides complain about the lack of regular briefings on his activities.

Tense Relations and Conflict of Interest Accusations

Veteran experts in U.S. foreign policy express reservations about Boulos' approach, pointing out that he neither consults them nor coordinates with them.

At the same time, accusations of conflicts of interest are increasing, especially since his family has business interests in Nigeria and Lebanon, raising questions about his true motives in some files, according to what "Africa Report" learned from informed sources.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Boulos attempted to mediate between Kinshasa and Rwanda, his efforts collided with a wall of political and on-the-ground complexities.

The site quoted a presidential aide to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi as stating, "The Congolese people might be with you at breakfast, but they will spit you out at lunch if you haven't accomplished anything."

Sudan: Another Knot in the Mediation Path

In Sudan, matters have not improved, as Boulos' attempts to break the deadlock between the conflicting parties have not achieved any significant breakthroughs amid escalating fighting and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.

A former African diplomat, as noted in an investigation by "Africa Report," pointed out that "Boulos moves quickly, but he lacks local political depth; peace is not made by images and meetings alone."

Despite these challenges, Boulos continues his tours, relying on direct support from President Trump, who likes to boast about his accomplishments in making peace, even before they materialize.

However, the absence of coordination with the U.S. Department of State and his disregard for traditional institutions undermine his chances of success and irritate professional diplomats.

A Personal Style in Managing Issues

Boulos relies on a personal style in managing issues, far from formal protocols.

Last November, he organized an informal dinner for journalists at a boutique hotel in Johannesburg, where he has a friendly relationship with the owners, and the venue is used as an unofficial base for his meetings.

He also employs a number of artists and celebrities, and one of the media company owners to support his movements, according to what "Africa Report" indicated.

This unconventional style has gained him popularity in some circles but has also raised doubts about the seriousness of his mission, especially in light of the absence of tangible results on the ground.

As U.S. elections approach, observers wonder whether Boulos will continue in his mission or if his efforts will be shelved among the incomplete files of the Trump administration.

Background on Boulos and His Role in Trump's Administration

Musad Boulos belongs to a Lebanese-Nigerian family with extensive business activities and gained prominence in U.S. political circles after his son, Michael Boulos, married Tiffany Trump.

This family connection allowed him to enter the close circle of the president and take on unconventional diplomatic roles, particularly in Middle Eastern and African files.

Despite lacking formal diplomatic background, Boulos has relied on his personal relationships and ability to build networks quickly, making appearances in sensitive issues like Libya and the Horn of Africa, although his contributions in these areas are widely debated, as reported by "Africa Report."

Between Ambition and Reality

Boulos - who is known for his direct style and ability to build swift relationships - now faces a real test: Can he translate 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 make peace?

In any case, Boulos remains a controversial figure balancing personal ambition and official role, maneuvering in a gray area between politics and diplomacy and between personal interests and presidential missions, as concluded by "Africa Report."

Source: Africa Report