The price of peace: US strategy and the DRC's critical minerals

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Image: © Aboodi Vesakaran / Public Domain

In her article, Antonia Baumgartner argues that behind the promise of peace, a set of recent US-backed agreements have reshaped how the Democratic Republic of the Congo's minerals, infrastructure, and political choices are tied to Washington's strategic priorities. Under these arrangements, unlicensed and prospective mining areas are pooled into a reserve that gives the United States privileged, priority access to future concessions. As security and diplomatic backing for the Congolese government against Rwanda and M23 becomes linked to mineral access and supply-chain politics, questions are raised about sovereignty, long-term peace and stability.

The article was first published by the Review of African Political Economy on the 4th of February 2026, where it can be accessed in full lenght.

Antonia Baumgartner is a recent graduate in Area and Global Studies for International Cooperation, with a focus on Africa. Her professional background spans journalism, voice recording, and public relations. She has worked as a freelance journalist producing articles, interviews, and multimedia content for Austrian publications, such as Biber Magazine and DATUM Magazine. Antonia currently works for the Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue.