Haramaya University College of Law Showcases Academic Excellence in Two International Moots
The College of Law at Haramaya University marked another milestone in practical legal education this summer semester, representing the institution on the global stage through participation in two premier international moot competitions: the 35th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition and the African Regional Rounds of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) International Arbitration Moot.
A delegation of undergraduate LL.B students, Mr. Bisrat Nabiyu Girma and Ms. Yeabsera Hairu Kedir, along with coaches Mr. Zekeria Abda Junda and Mr. Chala Yuye Kemer, represented Haramaya University at the 35th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, held from July 29 to August 2, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Hosted by the Université Institut Universitaire d’Abidjan and organized by the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, the event is recognized as the largest annual gathering of legal minds focused on human rights in Africa. Since its inception, over 200 universities across more than 47 African countries have taken part.
Notably, Haramaya University College of Law holds the unique distinction of being the only law faculty in Africa to be continuously invited for 16 consecutive years, establishing the competition as a central hallmark of the College’s academic calendar.
The 2026 competition brought together top law students from across the continent to argue a hypothetical legal dispute before a simulated African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This year’s case confronted pressing continental themes, including business and human rights, corruption, and digital rights.
Simultaneously, the College participated in the African Regional Rounds of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) International Arbitration Moot, held online from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
The Haramaya FDI Moot team comprised LL.B students Mr. Firomsa Gelan Begna, Mr. Gutema Tsegaye Leta, Mr. Dinka Hailu Alemu, and Ms. Selamawit Beshawured Negash, under the coaching of Mr. Delil Workicho Hussen.
Widely recognized as the world’s premier investor-state arbitration moot, the competition simulates legal mechanisms designed to ensure fair treatment, transparency, and due process for foreign investors in host countries. As Investor-State Arbitration (ISA) tribunals increasingly navigate complex policy changes, international conflicts, and competing legal framework, the FDI Moot provides participants with critical, practical experience in balancing domestic and international law.
Top-performing teams from the online regional rounds will advance to the FDI Moot Global Finals, scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, from October 23 to October 27, 2026.
Highlighting the significance of these achievements, Dr. Richard Wintzel, Dean of the College of Law, emphasized that participation in moot court, arbitration, and negotiation competitions remains central to Haramaya University’s leadership in practical legal education.
College of Law students worked tirelessly over the summer break to prepare written memorials and hone their oral arguments. The fact that both of these moots took place during the summer break, when most students are taking a well-deserved rest, demonstrates the deep commitment to academic excellence shared by our students and faculty, Dr. Richard stated.
Dr. Richard also expressed gratitude to the university’s executive leadership and faculty members for making these opportunities possible: “The College of Law extends its sincere appreciation to the administration of Haramaya University for sponsoring and continuously supporting these vital educational initiatives. Without their vision and backing, our participation on international platforms would not be possible. Special thanks also go to our dedicated coaches and faculty, who sacrificed nights, weekends, and summer breaks to prepare our students for success.’’
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate
Tags: Academic Excellence, College of Law, Ethiopia Law, Haramaya University, Higher Education Ethiopia, international moot court, Law Students, Legal Advocacy, Legal Education, moot court competition
