The Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence (FIAE), in strategic collaboration with the University of Lusaka, Zambia, successfully concluded the hybrid and physical courtroom rounds of the 5th Edition of the Continental International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot Court Competition and the concurrent 7th African Youth Peace Summit on 24th June 2026.
Over thirty-five participating universities representing Eastern, Western, Southern, and Central Africa convened in Lusaka to litigate complex hypothetical disputes before simulated chambers of the African Court of Justice and Human and Peoples' Rights. The moot problem challenged delegates on critical frontiers of contemporary warfare: the applicability of Article 36 of Additional Protocol I to cyber capabilities, autonomous weapon systems, state responsibility for non-state proxy factions, and civilian protection corridors.
Key Highlights & Grand Final Proceedings
The championship oral rounds witnessed high-level legal advocacy, rigorous judicial questioning from seasoned international arbiters, and exceptional mastery of treaty jurisprudence. The Grand Championship Final was conducted before a bench of distinguished jurists, academics, and legal officers from continental tribunals.
7th African Youth Peace Summit Declarations
Running parallel to the courtroom rounds, the 7th African Youth Peace Summit brought together youth leaders, civil society advocates, and peacebuilding researchers under the theme of regional conflict early-warning and democratic resilience.
Delegates adopted the Lusaka Youth Peace Declaration, urging African Union Member States to institutionalize youth participation in formal peace negotiations, safeguard civilian humanitarian relief routes during unrest, and implement comprehensive constitutional protections for female political representation.
Acknowledgment of Partners & Host Faculty
The FIAE Directorate expresses its profound appreciation to the leadership, faculty, and student volunteers of the University of Lusaka for their exemplary hospitality and partnership. Further gratitude is extended to the panel of memorial evaluators, bench judges, and sponsor institutions whose tireless commitment made this milestone championship a continental success.
