Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas this week huddled with the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest provider of some of the world’s most sought-after critical minerals.
The meeting is fueling speculation that a minerals deal could be in the making in the African country that’s at the center of ongoing conflict.
Jackson met with President Félix Tshisekedi on Sunday at a government complex in Kinshasa, according to a press release from Tshisekedi’s office, which referred to Jackson as Trump’s “special envoy” and a member of Congress.
The White House did not immediately respond when asked for comment about the trip or the administration’s intent. Jackson is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
