The Haramaya University College of Law has been invited to participate in the African Regional Round of the 22nd Edition of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition (WTO Moot) held at the Kabarak University Law School, Kenya, from 18-21 April 2024.
The competition is an annual event that brings together law students, academics, and international trade law experts from all over Africa and beyond to argue and debate on international trade issues. Universities from twelve African countries are competing in the 2024 African Regional Round. The Haramaya University College of Law is, however, the only law school representing Ethiopia in the competition.
The competition is a simulated hearing of the WTO dispute settlement system. The teams initially submit written memorials analyzing a fictive international trade law case and then present their oral arguments, both for the complainant and the respondent, in front of a panel consisting of WTO and trade law experts.
Dr. Richard Wentzzel, the Dean of the College of Law at Haramaya University, has stated that the purpose of the competition is to improve knowledge of international trade law and WTO dispute settlement procedures, as well as to build capacity for effective participation in multilateral trade. The winner of the African Regional Round will be invited to travel to the WTO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland in June 2024 to compete in the final international oral round.
The team consists of Mr. Ana Hassen Aliyyi, Mr. Chala Yuye Kemer, Ms. Rahel Merid Asfaw – a fifth-year LL.B student, and Ms. Bemnet Nega Namaga – a fourth-year LL.B student. They are being advised by Mr. Zekeria Abda Junda, who is a Lecturer of Law.
The College of Law expresses its gratitude to the higher administration of Haramaya University for their unwavering support towards providing valuable experiential learning opportunities. Dr. Richard further adds that the College of Law sincerely appreciates the financial support provided by our alumni working at Baro Technologies in the United States. Without their generous contribution, it wouldn’t have been possible to travel to this competition.
The Haramaya University community wishes the student team the best of luck in the competition and hopes all of their hard work and sacrifice will pay off with a victory in Kenya.
The event is organized, and partially sponsored by, the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) with technical support from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate