AKON Dear President ... ENJOY THIS BALLIN' BULLETPROOF VAN

Akon has the same crisis we all do -- what the hell do ya buy an African president who has everything?! The answer, according to Akon ... is a $350k tricked out bulletproof ride.

The guys over at The Auto Firm in South FL. tell us Akon ordered a 2014 Mercedes Sprinter from them a year ago ... and asked them to reinforce the whole thing in bulletproof armor. That's the kinda order that raises eyebrows -- but we're told Akon's not saying much.

He copped to it being a gift for an African president, but wouldn't say which one. Our best guess -- Akon's homeland of Senegal ... but again, he won't confirm. 

We're told the 8-seater whip was rebuilt with the armor, plus a ton of bells and whistles inside: DirecTV, surround sound, etc ... all iPad controlled.

Interestingly, the exterior is very plain ... probably so the mystery prez can ride low key. Always a good idea if you're worried about bullets.

Hail to the chief?