Life in Somalia: Abdi's story

Eight residents of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, tell us what the new government's priorities should be and how they have survived 13 years of anarchy.

Mahamut: Scrap metal worker "I smash the foundations of the US embassy wall to get steel rods to sell" Nimo: Khat dealer "The government should regulate khat - it's bad. I wish I had another job" Abdullahi: Cattle-herder "We were chased off our land by a group who had more weapons than us" Abdi: Refugee "I see a dark future for my children. There are no schools or health services"

Abdidir: Bus driver "We can accept President Yusuf even though he is from northern Somalia" Bashir: Gunman "The gun rules Somalia today - my gun is how I support my family" Halima: Refugee "I am too busy looking for food to think about the peace process" Idi: Singer "Only members of the armed clans can have big parties for their weddings"

Abdi Dahir Guled

I am 24 years old and I have four children.

I have been living here at the former headquarters of the Somali airlines in South Mogadishu for nine years.

About 800 other families live in this building, or in the grounds.

There are no schools or health services

I came here after fighting broke out in my home region of Middle Shabelle.

I am not working at the moment - there are no jobs. Life here is very hard.

We support the new government and have been following what they have been doing. I think this time will be different.

I hope the government can give me some assistance.

There are no schools or health services.

I see a dark future for my children. I don't have a job but I hope the government will be able to do something for them.

My children don't go to school. They have gone to the market to try and earn some money or beg.

If someone is really sick in the camp, we all try and raise the money to send people to hospital but often, there is not enough.

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