Over two days, Kolwezi hosted high-level discussions on a topic that is both sensitive and strategic: extractive investments in conflict zones. This complex issue, at the intersection of international law, economic interests, public policy, and societal expectations, prompted in-depth reflection on the legal frameworks and practices to be adopted in such contexts.
Within this framework, Caroline Duclercq, partner at Medici, spoke on October 10 2025 during the panel dedicated to State responsibility, focusing specifically on the contractual liability of States. Her intervention shed light on the legal challenges faced by investors and public authorities operating in fragile environments.
More broadly, the discussions converged around a shared conviction: environmental and social considerations must now be fully integrated into investment strategies and public decision-making, particularly in high-risk areas.
At the end of the conference, the contributions were compiled in the book “Securing Extractive Investments in Conflict Zones”, recently published.
The Medici firm contributed an article on State contractual liability in the extractive sector, authored by Caroline Duclercq in collaboration with Maria Mironova.
