Mogadishu (ICRC): Puntland State University (PSU) has won this year’s Somali international humanitarian law (IHL) competition for the first time securing a place at the All-Africa Finals to be held in Nairobi this November.
PSU clinched victory against Mogadishu University in a simulated case study and moot court hearing held in Mogadishu. In total, six Somali universities took part in the competition, submitting written memorials containing arguments on the basis of the law of armed conflict. The two top teams advanced to today’s final where PSU, acting as defense delivered compelling arguments that saw the three-bench judge award them the victory.
“We thank the Almighty for this win. Grateful to our dean and university too. The sleepless nights have finally paid off,” said Mohamed Awad Hussein, one of the winning students from PSU.
The three law students from PSU will now represent Somalia at the All-Africa competition in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will test their legal prowess against top teams from eight other nations across the continent.
The individual award for Best Speaker went to Abdihafid Mohamed Ali from Mogadishu University.
Both the Somali IHL competition and the All-Africa Finals are organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which will be sponsoring the three winning law students as they advance to continental stage.
“The passion for the law we have seen in these students today is humbling even for us as custodians of IHL,” said Alexandre Formisano, ICRC Head of Programs and Prevention in Somalia. “We will be cheering PSU on as they proceed to the All-Africa finals.”
This annual national competition aims to educate the next generation of Somali lawyers on the crucial role of law of armed conflict (IHL), its practical application, and its continued relevance to Somalia and the entire world.
For more information, please contact:
Rahime Adan, ICRC, tel: +254 705 410 641, email radanissack@icrc.org
Fadumo Ali Jama (English/Somali), ICRC Mogadishu, +252 611 006 330, email falijama@icrc.org
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