Mogadishu – SIMAD University emerged victorious in the 2026 Somali International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Competition, securing its maiden title and a berth at this year’s All-Africa finals.
The final, hosted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Mogadishu on 30 June, capped a preliminary round that saw written submissions from seven Somali universities.
The victory signifies a shift in a competition previously dominated by Mogadishu University since in-person rounds commenced in 2024. Somalia’s formal joining of the Global IHL Initiative reinforces this significance.
The final round involved two tests: a simulated detention visit and a moot court session. Hafsa Jelle of Mogadishu University received the Best Oralist award.
SIMAD’s achievement marks a notable milestone. Ayni Abdulkadir, a student at the university, expressed delight and gratitude for the learning experience.
Antoine Grand, ICRC delegation head in Somalia, lauded both finalists, acknowledging the heightened interest in humanitarian law among young Somalis.
SIMAD now advances to represent Somalia at the All-Africa IHL finals.
The Somali IHL Competition is an annual initiative by the ICRC to foster legal understanding of armed conflict regulations.
