The U.S. Department of State announced on 1 April 2025 the appointment of Massad Boulos as "Senior Advisor for Africa." He will make his first visit in this capacity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. Boulos also serves as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs.
Responsible Statecraft published on 2 April 2025 an article titled "Trump Tasks First Time Envoy with the Most Complex Africa Conflict" by Dan M. Ford.
The article provides background on the conflict in the eastern DRC where Boulos has been instructed to seek a durable peace. The author also notes that Boulos' son, Michael, is married to President Trump's daughter, Tiffany.
Comment: As "Senior Advisor for Africa," Boulos apparently is not filling the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Africa. The Trump administration has not yet named anyone to fill the latter position. The distinction between "Senior Advisor for Africa" and Assistant Secretary of State for Africa is not clear.
