Mogadishu University has marked a historic achievement in Somalia’s legal education after its law students participated in the 23rd Willem C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading moot court competitions in international commercial arbitration held in Hong Kong from 15 to 22 March 2026.
Representing Mogadishu University, Samira Hanaf and Sabreen Elmi, senior law students from the faculty of Sharia and Law alongside with their coach, Ibrahim Abdullahi, have contested law students from universities from Russia, Columbia and India. Their participation was seen as an important milestone for Somalia’s legal education because they were the first law students from Somalia to participate in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot.
The team’s historic journey was further recognized when Mogadishu University was named winner of the Colin J Wall Spirit of the Moot Award at the 23rd Vis East Moot.
This achievement reflects the dedication of Mogadishu University students, the commitment of the Faculty of Law, and the growing presence of Somali legal talent on the international stage. It also opens a new chapter for future Somali law students seeking to compete, learn, and contribute in global legal forums.
