Badhan is preparing to host peace talks between communities in Sanaag, with local authorities announcing new arrangements to protect the town during preparations. On October 11, the security committee restricted the carrying of weapons and assigned designated personnel to maintain security, Puntland Post and Horseed Media reported. The order applies to people outside the force responsible for protecting the town.
The arrangements accompany a reconciliation initiative announced by Sultan Siciid Sultan Cabdisalaan on October 7. He said the two communities involved had accepted the proposed conference and that traditional leaders would take part in the peace effort. Badhan has been chosen as the gathering place, bringing the preparations into a town where residents and visiting delegates will share public spaces.
The committee said enforcement of the weapons restriction would begin within 24 hours of the announcement. Its designated personnel will oversee security while the reconciliation preparations continue. The forthcoming conference gives community representatives and traditional leaders a setting in which to discuss their differences and pursue an agreement. The preparations bring local security arrangements alongside that community effort to restore peaceful relations.