Freetown, 2nd April 2, 2026 – Sierra Leone’s University of Makeni (UNIMAK) is proudly representing the nation in the prestigious Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, despite being unable to attend in person due to visa restrictions.
Through the Advocacy and Mooting Society of Sierra Leone (AMS), the UNIMAK team has been granted special permission to compete virtually in the preliminary rounds of the world’s largest international law moot court event. This week, they entered their fourth and final match of the preliminaries, arguing complex issues of international law before a panel of judges.
Habib Labay Kamara, National Administrator of AMS, explained the significance of the competition: “Moot Court Competitions are designed to prepare law students with real courtroom experience. With Jessup, students are exposed to complex international law issues and sharpen their oratory and analytical skills as they argue before a three-man panel of judges.”
The Jessup Competition, founded in 1960 and organised by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), attracts over 800 teams from more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. It simulates disputes before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), giving students a taste of real-world international litigation.
This year’s case, The Case Concerning the Gordian Gorge, raises pressing issues, including: Intervention by a non-party before the ICJ, free, prior, and informed consent under international law, the doctrine of double jeopardy in international law, state immunity for state-owned enterprises
Mohamed Muctarr Bah, Deputy National Administrator of AMS, commended the UNIMAK team for their resilience: “They have shown courage and determination in representing Sierra Leone despite the challenges. We wish them continued success as the competition progresses.”
While the visa ban prevented Sierra Leone’s delegation from travelling to the United States, their virtual participation ensures the country remains visible on the global legal stage. The team’s effort is being hailed as a testament to Sierra Leonean students’ commitment to excellence and their readiness to engage with the most pressing debates in international law.
