I'm conflicted about reading Cobalt Red. Initially I was hoping this book would be a factual, to-the-point exposé of how complicit various industries are in exploiting the DRC and its resources.

However, Sarah Katz-Lavigne’s critique on OpenDemocracy (www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-trafficking-and-slavery/cobalt-red-siddharth-kara-democratic-republic-congo-book-review/) has made me reconsider. Katz-Lavigne explains how Cobalt Red leans heavily on old stereotypes and colonial perceptions of the DRC, with Siddharth Kara’s questionable research ethics and reliance on dehumanising rhetoric undermining his purported mission. Instead of a grounded, insightful investigation, the book appears to perpetuate harmful White savior narratives that the DRC could do without.

For the time being, I'm going to keep it on my "to-read" list, but I’m not prioritizing it. I may reconsider down the line, but it’s hard to reconcile my initial hopes with such a critical review from someone actively engaged in research on mineral supply chains in the DRC.