17th African HUman Rights Moot Court Competition

So I have just returned from the 17th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition. It is a competition run by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Essentially teams from about 77 different universities in Africa come together to argue a human rights based hypothetical case in a simulated African Court. It was just fabulous! I dont think I have ever attended an occasion that brought together so many different African Countries. It was a true kaleidoscope of Africa. I felt so proud to be African! And now, i am very well networked in Africa :)

I think what I enjoyed most about the competition is that at a time when things on the continent are looking pretty dark, it was like a ray of hope for the continent. I stood in a room full of 600 people, speaking different languages, dressed different and looking different and yet speaking with one voice. It was phenomenal. And I realised that there are some good people out there who really believe in the idea of justice and are willing to fight for that cause.

So once again, I am reminded why I love my continent so much. So whenever I am tired of hearing Zim news or that there was another spate of killings in Sudan or more corruption wherever: i close my eyes and picture an auditorium full of young men and women from all over Africa. That makes me smile because when I think of that picture I think Hope.

How good and pleasant it is, when brothers dwell in unity. *SIGH*