Mogadishu (ICRC): Somalia — July 4, 2026 —SIMAD University has won the 2026 Somali International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Competition held in Mogadishu, after a closely contested final against Mogadishu University, organizers and participants confirmed.
The victory secures SIMAD University a place to represent Somalia at the upcoming All-Africa IHL finals later this year, according to organizers of the competition supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The final round, held on June 30, 2026, brought together two of Somalia’s leading law faculties in a competition designed to test advanced legal reasoning, courtroom advocacy, and knowledge of International Humanitarian Law principles.
According to organizers, the final featured a simulated detention visit, replicating real-world monitoring activities conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This was followed by a moot court session in which students argued both prosecution and defence in a fictional case based on international humanitarian law scenarios.
Seven universities across Somalia participated in the competition’s preliminary stage, submitting written memorials evaluated by legal experts. The top two performers, SIMAD University and Mogadishu University, advanced to the final round in Mogadishu.
According to the ICRC, the final competition tested participants on legal interpretation, oral advocacy, and practical application of humanitarian law in conflict-related scenarios.
Hafsa Jelle of Mogadishu University was named Best Oralist by a three-judge panel for her performance in courtroom argumentation, while SIMAD University’s team was declared overall winner after combined assessment of written and oral rounds.
“We are so excited. We learnt a lot and are grateful for the opportunity,” said Ayni Abdulkadir, a student from SIMAD University, after the announcement of results.
Antoine Grand, Head of the ICRC delegation in Somalia, said the competition reflects growing academic interest in humanitarian law.
“The passion displayed by both teams shows the growing interest in IHL among the younger generation,” Grand said. “Congratulations to SIMAD University and we will be cheering them on at the All-Africa Finals later this year.”
Competition Format and Participation
According to organizers, the competition brought together teams of three law students from each participating university. The structure included a written memorial submission in the preliminary stage and oral advocacy rounds in the final.
The final stage also included a simulated detention visit, designed to test students’ understanding of detainee rights, protection standards, and the operational principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Legal experts and practitioners served as judges during the moot court session, evaluating arguments presented by both prosecution and defence teams.
The Somali IHL Competition has grown into one of the country’s leading academic legal platforms since in-person competitions began in 2024. Mogadishu University had previously dominated the contest, winning earlier editions before SIMAD University’s breakthrough victory in 2026.
The competition is organized in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of its broader efforts to promote understanding of International Humanitarian Law among young legal professionals in conflict-affected regions.
Somalia’s participation in the competition also comes as the country recently joined the Global IHL Initiative, reinforcing commitments to strengthen adherence to humanitarian norms in armed conflict settings.
Legal education stakeholders say the competition provides practical exposure to law students, particularly in areas related to armed conflict, human rights protections, and international legal frameworks.
The victory by SIMAD University reflects increasing competition among Somali universities in legal education, particularly in specialized fields such as International Humanitarian Law. According to legal educators involved in the program, such competitions help bridge the gap between theoretical study and real-world legal practice.
The inclusion of simulated detention visits and moot court exercises highlights a shift toward experiential learning in Somali legal training. This approach is seen as critical in preparing future lawyers to handle cases involving conflict-related legal issues.
The involvement of the ICRC also signals continued international support for legal education initiatives in Somalia. According to organizers, such partnerships aim to strengthen awareness of humanitarian law in contexts affected by long-standing insecurity.
As SIMAD University prepares to represent Somalia at the All-Africa finals, the competition is expected to further raise the profile of Somali legal education institutions on the continental stage.
SIMAD University will proceed to the All-Africa IHL finals later in 2026, where it will compete against top university teams from across the continent. Organizers say preparations will include advanced training in advocacy and humanitarian law interpretation ahead of the regional stage.