Annual Edition of The FIS
International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition
Moot Timeline Released
Release of the Moot Rules
2025 Moot
The Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence (FIAE) is proud to announce that the 2025 International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot Court Competition will be held in Kampala, Uganda, in collaboration with Cavendish University Uganda. This event marks the fourth edition of the Moot, bringing together students from law schools across Africa to engage in rigorous debate on hypothetical cases in IHL. The competition serves as a platform for young African legal minds to deepen their understanding of IHL, enhance their advocacy skills, and network with fellow students and professionals in the field.
Cavendish University Uganda
About the Competition
Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence (FIAE) introduces the FIS International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition previously conducted under Firdaous Integrated Services (FIS), wherein students across different law schools in Africa argue a hypothetical case on International Humanitarian Law before the yet-to-be-established African Court of Justice and Human Rights. The moot is organized by Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence (FIAE) in partnership with one Faculty/School/College of Law from an African University. Undergraduate students from all African universities are eligible to compete in the FIS International Humanitarian Law Moot. Teams of two African university students, preferably a male and a female, are requested to submit heads of argument for a fictitious International Humanitarian Law case before the yet to be established African Court of Justice and Human Rights. Prior to moving on to the oral phase, teams are asked to submit written memorials. The knockout round of 16 is open to the 16 teams that received the highest grades in the preliminary oral rounds. Eight winning teams then square off in the quarterfinals, with the top four teams moving on to the semifinals and the best two to the finals.
Previous Editions
2022: University of Ilorin (Nigeria) won the final against Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia).
2023: Mount Kenya University (Kenya) Won the Final against Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria)
2024: The University of Nairobi (Kenya) Won the Final against Cavendish University (Uganda)
Gallery
Africa Youth Peace Summit
An annual African Youth Peace Summit is organized as a component of the competition. The Fourth African Youth Peace Summit will take place in 2023 on May 25 to honor African Liberation Day. The first African Youth Peace Summit was presented in 2020 by Mrs. Yvonne Shasuvila – Career Development Coach & Co-Founder StaffScout, Dr. Tajudeen Sanni – Senior Lecturer, Kampala International University, Mr. Soola Bolaji – Brand Management Professional, Dr. Leah Ndimurwimo – Senior Lecturer Nelson Mandela University, Prof. Kasim Balarabe – Professor & Associate Dean O. P. Jindal Global University, and Dr. HanafiHammed – Senior Lecturer Al Hikmah University.
In 2021 the Second Annual African Youth Peace Summit was held on 26 June 2021. Barrister Ameenah Ibrahim who is a Barrister & Solicitor of Supreme Court of Nigeria was the chief guest. There was a panel discussion consisting of Mr. Mwila C. Bwanga Youth Governance & Leadership Expert – Zambia; Miss Patricia Peace Ejang Law Student & Youth Activist – Uganda; Mr. David Tobi Oyesowo Lawyer & Youth Leadership Expert – Nigeria; Mr. Peter Maswi Co-Founder Generation Engage Network – East Africa; and Mr. Mark Mwalimu Mwake Founder Bariki Foundation – Kenya.
The third edition of the African Youth Peace Summit was held on 19th June 2022 with the theme: “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW IN MAINTAINING GLOBAL PEACE”. The Chief Guest was Advocate Ramatoulie Isatou Jallow who is an advocate of the High Court of Botswana.The Summit invited two (2) speakers from both academia and practise. They are; Mr. Sebastian Lafrance Crown Counsel (Prosecutor) Public Prosecution Service of Canada; and Dr. Tajudeen Sanni, Senior Lecturer Kampala International University – Uganda.
The fourth Edition of the African Youth Peace Summit was held on the 25th of May 2023 under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Peace in Africa: Understanding & Addressing the Root Causes of Conflict. This year’s summit was in commemoration of the African Liberation Day. The Chief Guest of the Summit was Mr. Mustapha Sundifu Katta – A Social Development Epert & Consultant From Sierra Leone & Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba A Pan African from Kenya. The Summit had four speakers.Abieyuwa Stephanie Usoh-Iriabe – a Lawyer and Prosecutor with The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria, Mr. Ogwal Samuel – a Law Don/ Legal Consultant from Uganda, Madam Monica Chipanta Mwansa from Zambia, and Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike SAN -Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Kwara State University from Nigeria.
The fifth edition of the African Youth Peace Summit by Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence (FIAE) was held on 25th May 2024 with the theme: “UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY AND PEACE AMID UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES OF GOVERNMENT IN AFRICA”. The Chief Host was Mr. Abdulkareem Azeez, FIAE Director, while the session was moderated by Ms Alessia Tesoro, Intern Peace & Conflict Unit. The Chief Guest of the summit was Dr. Halima Tope Akaje who is a Lecturer, Kwara State University, Malete. The Summit invited seven (7) speakers from both academia and practise. They are; Dr. Manuel Brunner, Prof. of PIL & IHL University of the German Armed Forces Hamburg, Germany; Kawsar Laanani, Policy Officer, European Centre for Development Polic Management; David Otto, International Terrorism Consultant/ coin researcher at Stepped In Step Out UK LTDt; Awet Halefom, African Fellow, Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation; Dr. A. J. Suleiman, Lecturer, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Obafemi Richard Jegede, Humanitarian & Visionary Leader, Women Reform Organization; and Dr. Muhammad Tukur Jibril , Lecturer, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
About the Organiser
At Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence, we harmonize institutional knowledge with core human values in fostering an environment that promotes academic brilliance, leadership, and civic responsibilities. We aim to arm every individual with the tools they need to carve their niche in the world, contribute positively to society, and make impactful changes in their communities and beyond.
Cavendish University Uganda (CUU), established in 2008 and accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education, is a leading private university with a mission to inspire students toward their full potential in employment, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. With a student-centric academic model, CUU offers market-relevant programs through four faculties and a School of Postgraduate Studies, utilizing advanced learning platforms for an innovative and practical educational experience. CUU has graduated over 10,000 students from diverse backgrounds and aims to foster independent thought and excellence through a supportive learning environment.
LINKS
Preliminary Rounds
- 19th May – 27th May 2025
- 09:00 AM - 05.00 PM
- Virtual
Advance Rounds
- 16th June – 21st June 2025
- 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- In-Person (Cavendish Uganda)
The Summit
- June 18, 2025
- 10:30 AM - 12.30 PM
- In-Person (Kampala, Uganda)