Haramaya University College of Law to Represent Ethiopia at Four International Moot Court Competitions Across Four Continents
In a remarkable milestone, Haramaya University College of Law has been selected to represent Ethiopia at four prestigious international moot court competitions in Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia over the next two months.
This unprecedented achievement underscores the college’s dedication to experiential learning, intellectual excellence, and team spirit, said Dr. Richard Wentzel, Dean of the College of Law.
This is the first time we’ll compete on all four continents in a single season, a testament to our students’ hard work amid demanding coursework and our staff’s commitment, Dr. Richard said. These events foster cross-cultural exchange and position us as Ethiopia’s leader in practical legal education.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court, the world’s largest, simulating International Court of Justice cases—runs March 28 to April 4, 2026, in Washington, DC. Hosted by the International Law Students Association and sponsored by White & Case LLP, it’s coached by Lecturer Firew Kasaye Giday. LL.B students Esayas Serbesa Chala, Haset Daniel Legese, Meira Aliyi Umer, and Besrat Nabiyu Girma, recent 2025 national champions, will argue complex public international law issues. Over 700 universities from more than 100 countries compete annually.
Simultaneously, the John H. Jackson WTO Moot (March 30–April 2, Yaoundé, Cameroon), hosted by the European Law Students Association, features coaches Zekeria Abda Junda and Ahmed Kemal Hussein with students Eyob Mohammed Omer, Hussein Hasen Ebrahim, Fenet Abdurahman Temam, and Meklet Ayetenfsu Zena. They’ll simulate WTO disputes, with regional winners advancing to Geneva.
In Asia, the K.K. Luthra Memorial Moot (February 13–15, New Delhi, India) at the University of Delhi draws coaches Wendmeneh Beyene Taye and Habtamu Siwaya with LL.B students Firomsa Gelan Begna, Gutema Tsegaye Leta, and Adonay Getaneh Tilahun. Selected from 200 submissions, it tests criminal law arguments linking facts to precedents.
The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (March 27–April 2, Vienna, Austria), hosted by UNCITRAL, is coached by Zekeria Abda Junda with students Hayat Menur Akmel, Gemechis Mando Boru, and Asma Mohammed Omer. Over 80 countries compete in UN sales contract disputes; fees were sponsored by Professor Won Kidane of Villanova School of Law and the Addis Law Group.
Haramaya stands out nationally for its practical, internationalized approach, proudly representing Ethiopia and the university worldwide. “We wish our teams the best and thank management, friends, and alumni for their vital support,” Dr. Richard added.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate