Haramaya University College of Law Represents Ethiopia in Prestigious Jessup Moot Court Competition
The Haramaya University College of Law moot court team has traveled to Washington, D.C., USA, to represent Ethiopia in the White & Case International Rounds of the 2025 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, runs from March 29 to April 5, 2025.
The team comprises LL.B students Mahder Endeshaw Berhanu, Ayantu Dechasa Adugna, and Abdurezak Nebi Sado, under the guidance of their coaches, Mr. Wendmeneh Beyene Taye and Mr. Habtamu Siwaya Chala. Their journey to the international stage follows their victory in the Ethiopian national rounds against teams from Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Bahir Dar Universities.
The Jessup competition is recognized as the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court event, featuring participants from over 700 law schools across 100 countries. Teams simulate proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), presenting oral and written pleadings on complex issues of public international law. This year’s problem addresses topics such as contested presidential legitimacy, immunity for officials accused of human rights violations, maritime boundary implications due to receding coastlines, and treaty interpretation within regional organizations.
In addition to competing, participants engage in various side events, including law exhibitions, discussions on AI in legal research, and cultural gatherings such as a national dress dinner. The Haramaya University team has been awarded the LexisNexis Scholarship by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), covering their accommodation costs during the competition.
Dr. Richard Wentzil, Dean of Haramaya University’s College of Law, expressed gratitude for the support provided by LexisNexis and emphasized the university’s pride in its team’s achievements. The College of Law commends the students’ dedication and preparation for this global platform and extends its best wishes for their success against top law schools worldwide.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate