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What you need to know about upcoming FALAS Annual Conference due in Kigali

By Esther Muhozi
On 20 October 2023 at 04:03

The Federation of African Law Students (FALAS) has been a shining beacon of unity and progress for law students across the African continent. Recognized by the African Bar Association (AfBA) and various international organizations, FALAS has consistently served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge among law students from over forty African nations.

Its mission, rooted in Agenda 2063, aims to unite Africa under a shared cultural identity and common values, focusing on empowering African law students through exposure and knowledge. One of the most eagerly anticipated events on their calendar is the annual African Law Students’ Conference.

The African Law Students’ Annual Conference, organized by FALAS, stands as a pivotal event that encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of African law students for a more unified and empowered Africa. This annual gathering is not just a conference; it’s a dynamic platform for legal empowerment conferences, discussions on international engagement policies, and the exchange of insights that are propelling Africa forward.

In September 2021, FALAS inaugurated the International African Law Conference for Young African Leaders in Law in Accra, Ghana. Eminent speakers and delegates from various African countries graced this event, creating a dynamic forum for dialogue and cooperation.

The 2021 conference, held at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana, was themed "Redefining Law and Governance in Africa, Legal Education, Justice Systems & Formidable Institutions in Perspective."

Distinguished legal personalities, including Professor PLO Lumumba and the Deputy Attorney General of Ghana, Ms. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, shared their insights on legal matters of significance.

Panel discussions at the conference emphasized the need to integrate law schools on the continent to facilitate student-oriented exchange programs. This approach led to successful partnerships between law student unions, such as the one between Makerere Law Society in Uganda and the University of The Gambia Law Students’ Association.

Inspired by the resounding success of the 2021 conference, FALAS organized the second annual African Law Students’ Conference, "The African Law Students’ Annual Conference 2022," which took place at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. The 2022 conference continued the focus on empowering the youth and bringing about systemic changes through legal empowerment. The contributions of young African legal minds were recognized as influential forces in shaping contemporary jurisprudence.

Now, as we look to the future, the stage is set for the most awaited event of the year – the 2023 FALAS Annual Conference, scheduled in Rwanda.

The conference theme, "Upholding the Rule of Law in Africa: A Sine Qua Non to Equality, Social Justice, and Optimizing the Implementation of AFCFTA - The Role of FALAS," underscores the urgency of promoting legal approaches to sustainability in Africa. It aims to foster equality, social justice, and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) for continental growth.

From October 23 to October 27, 2023, the Hotel La Parisse in Rwanda will be buzzing with activity. Moot courts, panel discussions, tours, lectures, and more are on the agenda. Law students from every corner of Africa will converge in Rwanda to learn, exchange, and collaborate with their peers and practitioners in the field. Renowned speakers from different countries, including Ambassador Dr. Malik Nadeem Abid, the Secretary-General of the International Human Rights Commission, New York, United Nations, will be in attendance to share their insights and expertise.

The 2023 FALAS Annual Conference promises to be a groundbreaking event, exploring new ideas, inspiring collaboration, and celebrating Africa’s rich legal heritage. It’s an opportunity to be part of something greater, to contribute to the advancement of the legal profession in Africa, and to shape the future of the continent.

FALAS is not merely an organization; it’s a movement, and this conference is a testament to their dedication to a brighter legal future in Africa.

The African Law Students' Annual Conference 2022, took place at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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