Somaliland 'bans female genital mutilation'

Authorities in the self-declared republic of Somaliland have issued a religious fatwa banning the practice of female genital mutilation and vowed to punish violators.

The fatwa by the Ministry of Religious Affairs allows FGM victims to receive compensation. It does not say whether the compensation will be paid the government or by violators of the ban.

“It’s forbidden to perform any circumcision that is contrary to the religion which involves cutting and sewing up, like the pharaoh circumcision, the ministry’s fatwa reads.

“Any girl who suffers from pharaoh circumcision will be eligible for compensation depending on the extent of the wound and the violation caused.

“Any one proven to be performing the practice will receive punishment depending on the extent of the violation.”

The fatwa - issued Tuesday, coinciding with the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation - did not elaborate on the type or severity of punishment. Religious affairs minister Sheikh Khalil Abdullahi Ahmed hailed the fatwa, which effectively criminalizes FGM. He said the practice led Somali women and girls to suffer “during marriage, during childbirth and at young age” as it interferes with urination and menstruation.