A self-governing region in the Horn of Africa that operates independently of Mogadishu but is considered part of Somalia by the UN. Major Cities: Hargeisa (the capital) and Berbera (a key port city). Governance:
Some younger Somalilanders, especially those educated abroad, argue for decriminalization. “We can’t police morality,” one university student told me. “We can only reduce harm. Let these women work in safety, pay taxes, and not be beaten by police.” But such views remain fringe. The religious establishment and clan elders fiercely oppose any normalization. sharmuuto somaliland