CRCICA at the Berlin Dispute Resolution Days

Bridging Arbitration Practices: Strengthening Connections between DIS and North Africa
CRCICA/DIS Arbitration Group and IFRIQYA Arbitration Forum Unite to Foster Collaboration

On 11 September 2024, the CRCICA/DIS Arbitration Group, in collaboration with the IFRIQYA Arbitration Forum, hosted an engaging event titled “Bridging Arbitration Practices: Strengthening Connections between DIS and North Africa” as part of the Berlin Dispute Resolution Days (BDRD). Held at Amereller Rechtsanwälte, the event brought together arbitration practitioners from Germany and North Africa to explore opportunities for collaboration in a region increasingly significant for German businesses. The panel, moderated by Kilian Bälz of Amereller Rechtsanwälte, featured Ismail Selim, Director of CRCICA; Sami Houerbi, Principal at Houerbi Law Firm and President of IFRIQYA Arbitration Forum; Joachim A. Kuckenburg, Partner at K+; and Meriem Rezgui, Senior Associate at Amereller Rechtsanwälte.

The discussion opened with an introduction to key arbitration institutions in North Africa. Ismail Selim highlighted CRCICA’s strengths, including its updated 2024 Arbitration Rules, which align with international standards and are available in Arabic, English, and French. He emphasized CRCICA’s cost-effectiveness, trilingual case management team, and its proven neutrality, as demonstrated by numerous awards rendered against the Egyptian State. Sami Houerbi then introduced the IFRIQYA Arbitration Forum, outlining its mission to promote arbitration and ADR in North Africa, empower women, involve youth, and bridge communication gaps among stakeholders. He encouraged attendees to join IFRIQYA’s online platform to connect with the region’s arbitration community.

The panelists agreed on the importance of involving North African practitioners in arbitration proceedings, noting their deep understanding of local legal frameworks and practicalities. This, they argued, often makes them more effective than foreign arbitrators unfamiliar with the region.

The conversation then shifted to the influence of culture and language on arbitration practices in North Africa. Meriem Rezgui observed that while Francophone countries like Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco have traditionally favored French arbitration institutions, younger practitioners are increasingly open to collaborating with English-speaking partners. She highlighted the DIS’s potential to gain traction in the region, given Germany’s reputation for quality and professionalism. Joachim A. Kuckenburg added that North African arbitration laws share similarities with German arbitration law, such as the enforcement of awards even if annulled at the seat of arbitration—a feature influenced by French legal traditions. These parallels, he noted, create a strong foundation for collaboration and underscore the untapped potential for German-North African partnerships.

The event concluded with a call to action, urging arbitration institutions, legal professionals, and corporations to actively engage with North Africa. The panelists emphasized that cross-border dialogue and connections are essential to bridging arbitration practices and strengthening ties between Germany and the region.

The event successfully highlighted the dynamic arbitration community in North Africa and the opportunities for German practitioners to engage with the region, marking a significant step toward greater collaboration in the global arbitration landscape.