Congo's conflicts, minerals and microbes: planetary health implications.

Abstract

The abrupt re-escalation of the three-decade conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in January 2025, the July peace deal and new mineral extraction agreements highlight the Congo Basin's global significance. Known as the world's largest rare mineral reserve, the 'second lung of the planet', and a hotspot for emerging infectious diseases, the region embodies critical planetary health challenges. The conflict intensifies sylvatic-to-human transmission of zoonoses (involving at least 15 known pathogens), undermines climate change mitigation and conservation, disrupts human development-including education-and inflicts intergenerational harm.In the Congo basin, conflict-driven displacement and close contact with forests create ideal conditions for sporadic disease spillover. These risks are magnified by ecosystem disruptions from logging, mining, agriculture, wildlife trade, firewood collection and tourism, all intersecting with demographic shifts that push communities deeper into forested areas.Global demand for DRC minerals is surging, but without parallel investments in human development, biodiversity protection and disease surveillance, exploitation could accelerate regional instability and global health threats. The June 2025 peace deal and the rise of a mineral-based economy present a critical opportunity to align extraction with peacebuilding, sustainable development and climate resilience. Investments in enhanced surveillance and preparedness systems are essential to prevent transboundary pathogen spread and preserve fragile ecosystems. As the world grows increasingly dependent on the Congo's mineral wealth, realising its benefits requires renewed global commitment to ensure that resource extraction strengthens peace, resilience and planetary health rather than deepening conflict and instability.