Latest news with #MasadBoulos
Libya Observer
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Algeria, US hold high-level talks on Libya and regional security
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held high-level talks on Sunday with U.S. presidential adviser for African affairs, Masad Boulos, during his official visit to Algiers. The discussions focused on developments in Libya, as well as broader regional issues. According to a statement from Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting covered shared views and analysis on key African matters, including the situation in Libya, the Western Sahara dispute, and security in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions. Both sides stressed the importance of continued political and diplomatic coordination in addressing regional crises and praised the level of cooperation between Algiers and Washington at the United Nations Security Council, especially on matters of North African security. The meeting also highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations, with discussions touching on various aspects of U.S.–Algeria partnership, particularly in defence, energy, agriculture, and higher education. The talks included a broader session involving delegations from both countries, following a one-on-one meeting between Minister Attaf and Boulos at the foreign ministry headquarters. Tags: Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
ExxonMobil & ConocoPhillips to Sign Energy Deals in Libya
Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) is preparing to sign two major agreements with leading US energy companies, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, aimed at boosting the country's oil and gas production. The announcement was made by Masad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President for Middle East and Africa Affairs, in a video shared by the US Embassy on Friday. Boulos confirmed that a memorandum of understanding between NOC and ExxonMobil is expected soon. The agreement will focus on offshore gas exploration studies, which he said would enhance Libya's capabilities in the energy sector and attract new investment. In addition, Boulos revealed that a second agreement is being finalised with the Waha Oil Company's partners, including ConocoPhillips, to develop key oilfields. 'This deal involves millions of dollars in investments and is expected to nearly double Waha Oil's production capacity,' he stated. The US official emphasised that these partnerships reflect a shared interest in strengthening energy cooperation. 'Together, we are building stronger ties that will make both America and Libya more prosperous,' he said. Earlier this week, Boulos attended a signing ceremony for a $235 million contract between NOC and US-based Hill International. The agreement supports the development of the A and B structure projects, which are expected to contribute significantly to Libya's oil infrastructure. These upcoming deals underline NOC's strategy to attract international expertise and capital to revitalise Libya's energy industry, which remains the backbone of the national economy. Tags: ConocoPhillipsExxonMobilgaslibyanocoil
See - Sada Elbalad
7 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Could the DR Congo Rwanda Agreement Reshape Africa's Development Map?
By: Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelwahab In pursuit of lasting regional stability, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 movement have signed a Declaration of Principles committing to a permanent ceasefire, an end to hate speech, and the renunciation of any efforts to seize new territory by force. The agreement was brokered by Qatar, with the presence of US envoy Masad Boulos, and marks an important addition to the American-brokered peace deal signed in June between the DRC and Rwanda. That deal had focused on disengagement, disarmament, and the conditional integration of armed groups. The two peace agreements are expected to pave the way for further diplomatic steps, including a meeting at the White House, where President Biden plans to host the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda. The United States sees these efforts as a gateway to securing its economic and strategic interests—especially in energy and mining—in this vital part of the African continent. The main driver of international interest in the Great Lakes region lies in its enormous natural wealth, particularly in the DRC, which holds 70 percent of global cobalt reserves, 67 percent of the world's coltan production (used in nuclear and electronic industries), ranks fourth in industrial diamond production, and has large deposits of lithium and high-grade copper. The DRC and Zambia together produce around 3 million tons of copper and cobalt annually. These mediation efforts in eastern Congo reflect a growing American role in African conflict resolution, with hopes of redirecting energy and resources toward meaningful development. The DRC has been in conflict since 1998, resulting in the deaths of nearly 6 million people, the displacement of 7 million, and the presence of more than 100 armed groups competing for control in the mineral-rich east. As people in the region hope for peace and the elimination of ethnic violence and armed militias, another element attracting global attention is the Lobito Corridor—a multi-country infrastructure project. Backed by the United States, it involves a major railway linking the DRC, Zambia, and Angola, allowing copper and cobalt to be exported through the Port of Lobito. In December 2024, the US pledged an additional $560 million, bringing total support to $4 billion for the project. At the same time, Russia has signed an agreement with Congo-Brazzaville to construct a pipeline from Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville, signaling Moscow's interest in expanding its energy footprint. In June 2025, Angola hosted the 17th US–Africa Summit, which focused heavily on minerals, energy, and infrastructure—key sectors shaping global competition on the continent. Global and emerging powers increasingly view Africa as a center of future economic growth. There is a noticeable shift toward economic diplomacy, with governments negotiating investment deals and trade partnerships across Africa. The recent DRC agreements with Rwanda and M23 are seen as breakthroughs after a period of sharp tensions, including Rwanda's June 7 withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). That move came after Equatorial Guinea's presidency of the group was extended, bypassing Rwanda, due to opposition from the DRC and Burundi. ECCAS member states cover 20.4 percent of Africa's landmass, and their combined oil reserves are estimated at 31.3 billion barrels, nearly 28 percent of the continent's total. In a related development, Angola recently announced the discovery of its first-ever natural gas well in the Congo Basin, holding an estimated 1 trillion cubic feet of gas—a major turning point in Central Africa's energy future. In February 2024, the DRC began exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time, with proven reserves estimated at 283 billion cubic meters, drawing more international focus to energy security and development in Central Africa. This increasing attention is also fueled by the ongoing US–China competition. In 2024, China opened the China–Africa Chamber of Commerce in Addis Ababa and pledged $51 billion in financial support to African countries. Beijing has also removed tariffs on goods from the continent's least developed nations. Chinese investment in Africa has now surpassed $40 billion. The United States, meanwhile, is shifting from an aid-driven model to one focused on trade and investment. 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Libya Review
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
US Official Urges End to Libya's Prolonged Transition
The path to resolving Libya's protracted political crisis lies in holding transparent presidential elections, according to Masad Boulos, senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump on African affairs. In an interview with Saudi-based 'Al Sharq' channel, Boulos stated that the prolonged transitional phase in Libya has become a burden on the country's stability. He emphasised that only a national vote can truly reflect the will of the Libyan people and put an end to the current political deadlock. 'The extended transitional period is not serving Libya's stability,' Boulos warned. He added that a legitimate electoral process would offer a peaceful solution and mark a turning point toward unity and governance. Boulos revealed that several Libyan officials had recently visited Washington for discussions on the evolving Libyan file. He noted that the issue remains under close international scrutiny, with the involvement of the United Nations, Egypt, Turkey, and various European and Arab countries. He also touched on the recent US delegation visit to Cairo, where meetings were held with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his team. Boulos said the visit aimed at coordinating regional and international efforts to push forward Libya's political track. He underlined that achieving global consensus is essential to support Libya's political process, adding that the success of any solution depends on inclusive and transparent dialogue between Libyan factions. Boulos' remarks come amid renewed international calls to accelerate electoral arrangements in Libya, where competing governments in Tripoli and Benghazi continue to vie for legitimacy.
