College of Law Holds 8th Annual Inter‑Batch Moot Court Competition
Haramaya University’s College of Law hosted its 8th Annual Inter‑Batch Moot Court Competition from 9–11 May 2026. The event brought together 2nd–4th year students to argue a hypothetical case before a simulated African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Months of preparation preceded the oral rounds. Competitors researched and drafted written memorials for both applicant and respondent sides, which were evaluated by the College of Law academic staff. The moot case addressed several contemporary rights issues, including environmental rights, privacy, land and health rights.
The oral rounds were organized by the HU CoLAdvocacy Skills Center Head, Mr. Firew Kasaye, in collaboration with the Haramaya University Law Students Association (HULSA). Special guests included Mr. Mahir Abdusamed and Mr. Salahadin Towfik from the Harari People’s National Regional State Supreme Court. Dr. Garkebo Basha, Director of the Academic Assessment & Quality Assurance Directorate, attended the closing session on behalf of the Office of the Vice‑President for Academic Affairs.
The Inter‑Batch Moot Court Competition is a flagship experiential learning activity that enables broad student participation beyond those selected for national and international contests. The College emphasizes practical legal training, with students also engaging in clinical legal education placements across justice sector offices during the academic year.
Dean Dr. Richard Wentzel praised the students’ dedication, noting the heavy time commitment required alongside regular classes and exams. “The large proportion of students involved as participants, organizers, and fifth‑year assistant coaches demonstrates their commitment to advancing legal skills,” he said. He also extended gratitude to the faculty who spent long hours evaluating memorials and judging oral rounds.
The competition’s top performers included the Best Overall Team in the oral rounds, Soreti Mosisa, Haileab Gelaw, and Abenezar Birhanu supported by assistant coach Betselot Bekele. The Best Memorial award went to the team of Dawit Dibisse, Meaza Badowerk, and Tegenu Bizuneh, with assistant coach Girma Fekadu. Individually, Soreti Mosisa was named both Best Overall Oralist and Best Female Oralist for her outstanding advocacy in the final round.
College staff commended the finalists for their poise, persuasive argumentation, and ability to respond to judges’ questions, qualities that, according to organizers, closely resembled proceedings before the African Court.
Awards presented included Best Overall Team (1st Place), Runner‑Up (2nd Place), Best Memorial (1st Place), Best Oralist (Overall), and Best Female Oralist. Winners received trophies, medals, and special gifts from the Office of the Vice‑President for Academic Affairs.
Tags: 8th Annual Event, Academic Competition, Advocacy Training, College of Law, Inter‑Batch Moot Court, Law Students, Legal Education, moot court competition
