Badhan, November 24, 2007 (SL Times) - Leaders in Badhan town, eastern Sanag region, declared on Tuesday that they have withdrawn their support from the Puntland regional authority based in Garowe, the capitol of P/land and announced that they were part of Somaliland.

The mayor of Badhan, Ahmed Mohamed Osman, speaking at a ceremony held in the town on Tuesday (20/11/07) stated that the "decision was taken in the light of the recent developments in the region".

The Badhan leaders said that the Garowe administration had failed to develop the district and neglected their needs and had lost confidence in being part of P/land.

The commander of the local Badhan militia, Abdi Gurey, who use to support P/land, announced in Tuesday’s ceremony in Badhan that the militia responsible for defending Badhan and the district as a whole was as from Tuesday “the loyal forces of S/land”.

Somaliland has recently taken steps to re-absorb the administration of parts of eastern Sool and Sanag. These moves have been welcomed in the region by the local residents.

Sources in the area have confirmed that S/land officials have begun work in Badhan, and that the S/land flag has been seen flying over the town hall.

It is also reported that strong contingents from the Somaliland Defence Forces have moved from their bases in Erigavo, the regional capital of Sanag and have taken positions close to Badhan town.

Ahmed Kheyre contributed to this report

Source: Somaliland Times