20/04/2024
Sierra Leone Excels at the 65th Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
In a remarkable display of dedication and prowess, IMATT College has proudly represented Sierra Leone on the global stage at the 65th edition of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, administered by ILSA. Held from March 30th to April 6th, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the competition featured 150 teams from 85 countries, with IMATT College emerging as a standout contender.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, often referred to simply as the Jessup Competition, is one of the most prestigious and renowned moot court competitions in the field of International Law. Named after Philip C. Jessup, a distinguished American jurist and diplomat, the competition was first held in 1960 and has since grown into a global phenomenon, attracting participants from law schools in over 100 countries. Participation in the Jessup Competition offers law students a unique opportunity to hone their advocacy skills, deepen their understanding of international law principles and engage in rigorous legal research and analysis. Moreover, the competition fosters cultural exchange and networking opportunities, allowing students to interact with peers and legal professionals from diverse backgrounds and jurisdictions.
International Law serves as the cornerstone of our interconnected global community, shaping interactions between nations, individuals and entities across borders. For law students, understanding and engaging with international law is not merely an academic pursuit but a fundamental aspect of legal education with profound implications for their future careers and the welfare of their respective countries. By embracing the principles and values enshrined in international legal frameworks, students can become catalysts for positive change, driving progress and promoting peace and justice in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Since 2019, Sierra Leone's participation in the Jessup Competition has been spearheaded by The Advocacy and Mooting Society, founded by Karina Gbakie. Gbakie who serves as the National Administrator of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, alongside a dedicated team, have tirelessly worked to elevate Sierra Leone's presence and performance in the global legal arena.
Despite encountering challenges along the way, this year marked a significant milestone for Sierra Leone. Team IMATT showcased their legal acumen and advocacy skills, securing an impressive ranking of 89 out of 150 teams. Notably, they emerged as the second-best among African teams, outshining universities from prominent legal hubs such as Lagos, Zambia, Lesotho, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. The support extended by four volunteer judges and two bailiffs from the Advocacy and Mooting Society further underscored the collective effort and determination driving Sierra Leone's success.
The Advocacy and Mooting Society extends heartfelt appreciation to esteemed national judges Justice Jamesina King J.A, Brima Koroma ESQ, Ebunoluwa Tengbe ESQ and Juella Noldred ESQ for their impartial and credible adjudication throughout the competition.
Furthermore, the Society acknowledges the invaluable support received from the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Limited, The Embassy of Sierra Leone Washington DC, The United States Embassy, Freetown and Prestige Apparels. Their moral and financial backing played a crucial role in empowering the participants from Sierra Leone to excel on an international platform.
In a fortuitous turn of events, while in Washington DC Karina Gbakie, the founder of the Advocacy and Mooting Society, took proactive steps to foster connections with influential organizations. Notably, through Raymond Muhekyi, she established contact with the World Bank Group, paving the way for potential opportunities for Sierra Leonean law students. The delegation from Sierra Leone was graciously welcomed and discussions with the Deputy General Legal Counsel hinted at the possibility of hosting Sierra Leonean law students yearly. This promising prospect opens new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange, further enriching the legal landscape of Sierra Leone.
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States at the Embassy in Washington DC. The visit provided a platform for the students to meet and interact with the Ambassador and his staff. The Ambassador commended the students for their efforts and admonished them to continue to raise the flag of the nation high.
As IMATT College basks in the glow of its achievements, the journey towards legal excellence continues. With unwavering determination and steadfast support, Sierra Leone's legal luminaries are poised to leave an indelible mark on the global stage, embodying the spirit of resilience and excellence.
