Mogadishu University Emerges Victorious in Somali IHL Competition, Moves Forward to All Africa Finals
Mogadishu (AX) — Shazam! Mogadishu University clinched victory in the Somali International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Competition and will now wave Somalia’s flag at the All Africa IHL Competition in Nairobi this November. The showdown, which happened on Wednesday in Mogadishu, marked the first in-person gathering after a couple of years of virtual reality. Mogadishu University outperformed Somali National University in a tense and gripping final match-up.
This dynamic contest, crafted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), brought together six universities from across Somalia. The finale was smokin’! Both institutions delivered spirited oral arguments in an imaginary legal case, flexing their muscle in international humanitarian law. Mogadishu University took on the prosecution, with Somali National University defending the case.
“We’ve been bustin’ our chops for two months straight, gearing up for this battle. It was a beast, no doubt, but we nailed it, and man, am I stoked!” exclaimed Samira Yusuf Adam from Mogadishu University, beaming with pride.
This year’s event was special. It ran simultaneously with the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Somalia, which joined the conventions’ gang in 1962, is nurturing a new wave of legal eagles to tackle the maze of humanitarian law, essential in a nation still wrestling with turmoil.
The IHL Competition is a fantastic platform for aspiring Somali lawyers to get their feet wet and flaunt their prowess in civilian protection and warfare laws. It’s a golden opportunity for hands-on practice in legal wrangling, crucial in a land where conflict and peace law are top considerations.
“This competition is a lot more than just about nabbing the win,” voiced Katherine Weir, ICRC Legal Advisor and one of the judges. “It’s all about sparking an interest in IHL and forging a new breed of lawyers committed to defending civilians and sticking to the rules of warfare.”
With this sparkling win, Mogadishu University is all set to jet off to Nairobi in November, facing off against the cream of African law students in the All Africa IHL Competition. The ICRC will cover the team’s travel and stay. Mogadishu University is gunning to build on its triumphs, especially after having one of its members crowned the top speaker in an earlier 2023 event.
“We’re pumped about representing Somalia in Nairobi, and we plan to make our nation proud,” Adam added.
This marks the third year for the Somali IHL Competition but the first for an in-person event due to previous logistical headaches and safety hurdles. Last year’s digital version also saw Mogadishu University shined brightly, with one of their stars being recognized as the best speaker.
The Mogadishu University team is soaking in their triumph at the Somali International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Competition after a riveting finale against Somali National University. They are now set to fly to Nairobi this November to represent Somalia at the All Africa IHL Competition. CREDIT / ICRC
