Somali Students Make Debut at Global Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Two Somali law students have made history by becoming the first team from the country to compete at a leading international arbitration competition in Hong Kong.

Students from Mogadishu University participated in the Willem C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot held from March 15–22, marking Somalia’s debut at the event.

The team, comprising Samira Yusuf and Sabirin Elmi, took part in the 23rd edition of the moot, which brings together law schools from around the world to compete in legal writing and oral advocacy on international arbitration.

Their participation places Somalia on the global stage of competitive legal advocacy for the first time, in a contest that regularly attracts hundreds of universities and thousands of participants.

Academics said the outcome reflects growing efforts to strengthen higher education and expand international engagement within Somalia’s legal sector.

The students gained exposure to complex cross-border legal issues and interacted with peers and professionals from multiple jurisdictions, a step seen as important in building practical legal skills.

The debut is being viewed as a milestone for Somalia’s academic community and a sign of progress in developing the country’s legal education system.