Somalia: A new president for a new beginning?

After nearly ten years without a government Somalia now has a new leader, Abdulkassim Salat Hassan.

He was elected President by the Somali parliament last Friday during a ground-breaking meeting in neighbouring Djibouti.

Is Somalia slowly moving away from unending chaos and anarchy? Will the country's warlords take any notice? Will the new head of state manage to bring Somaliland and Puntland back into the fold?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

I am happy to hear that finally one of the poorest and uneducated people of the world has finally decided to choose a leader. I hope all Somalians who are really fed up being without a government for 10 years will support him and give him a chance.
Abdullahi Moalin Aden, Canada

I will take any president that is willing to bring the people together for the sake of peace and humanity

Abdi Sheikh, CPA, USA

I prefer a government based on the principles of Islam. However, given the anarchy we have endured for the past 10 years, I will take any president that is willing to bring the people together for the sake of peace and humanity. A less than perfect government is better than no government!
Abdi Sheikh, CPA, USA

I am very happy about the election of the new Somali President Mr Abdiqasim Salat Hassan and I am sure that he has the support of most Somalians around the world.
Abdiwali Daud, USA

The last thing Somalis need is a one-man show and a powerful president who dispenses favours or fear. Instead we need a team of leaders, extensive decentralisation of power, a federal system of government, a culture of peace, respect for the rule of law and a built-in consultative mechanism.
Mohamed Abdurahman, Ottawa, Canada

Maybe Abdul Kasim Salat is not the ultimate solution for Somalia, but he sure is the best chance the country has had in the past 10 years. Give him a chance as the alternatives are far worse.
Abdi Rashid, Switzerland

The international community should support this new president, who clearly enjoys the support of the majority of Somali people. I am grateful for our new president, and hope he succeeds in his mission to rebuild his country.
Abdirashid Jama Abdulle, Australia

I am happy for average civilians who live in that district because after ten years of bloodshed enough is enough. But different government, usual methods - same outcome. Things will never change.
Ibrahim Hersi, UK

Undoubtedly Somalis feel fed up with the killing and looting in their country for the last ten years and need this to end very quickly. For the war-lords they had their time and that is it, you better put up with it than feel sorry later.
M.Barre, UK

Somalia is divided for a reason, a reason well beyond the fixing of placing a minister that caused havoc and displacement among the Somali people

Warsama Yusuf Mohamed, Australia

Lets be realistic Somalia is divided for a reason, a reason well beyond the fixing of placing a minister that caused havoc and displacement among the Somali people - in the past if his leadership did not shine then what will make it work now. The people of the world are once more being misled in believing peace has arrived in Africa and everyone will be fine. I do believe in peace and solutions but as much as I want to believe this and the great nation that Somalia was will exist once more. It will take many years the to understand Somali way of thinking. I know I'm one.
Warsama Yusuf Mohamed, Australia

I am grateful for our new president, and hope he succeeds in his mission. However I wonder how he can accomplish disarming the Somalia warlords and civilians.
Abdkadir Aqli, Denmark

After years of destruction and doom, a new Somalia is rising from the ashes and it would be built on better and sounder foundations

Ali Ahmed, Switzerland

It is heartening to learn, through your website and through other forums, that most patriotic Somalis are supportive of the Djibouti conference and are rallying to the new president and the government to be formed. It is moving to learn the letter from the 15 year old correspondent, Abdirizak Dirir, and realise that our young generations still maintain their umbilical chord to the motherland and are even more patriotic than their forefathers, notwithstanding the fact that they grew up in foreign countries.
After years of destruction and doom, a new Somalia is rising from the ashes and it would be built on better and sounder foundations given the bitter experience from the past. But I am confident that, given patience, confidence building and subtle persuasion, the secessionists would come round to embrace the new Somalia in which, my region, the North, will be playing a leading role. As Kennedy used to say, "fear nothing but fear itself".
Ali Ahmed, Switzerland

In this chaotic situation, the new president and his administration may face unavoidable challenges that lie ahead of them. But I believe if all Somalis regardless of where they may be living need to have some sort of stability and peace, then the new government will surely be a symbol of normalcy and bright future for all Somalis. Everything hinges on how the new government tackles its visible problems. There is certainly a need for credible and trust-building measures, which the new government should base on its short-term priority. Peace, democracy and justice for all will eventually play a greater role to restore what more than 90% of Somalis badly desire - that is to say only few words - peace and good governance. I wish the Dr Abdikasim and his government all the best.
Abdirashid M Omar, The Netherlands

Southern Somalia is plunged into another round of dreaming, only to eventually find itself awake to the same old nightmare. How can the same individuals who destroyed the Somali nation revive it? Although Somaliland shares the same religion, culture, and ethnicity as their brothers and sisters down South, is it any wonder they chose to go their separate way? The South emerged from despotic, corrupt, and murderous military dictatorship only to get stuck with murderous warlords. Now it's attempting to replace the warlords with the same old, despotic, corrupt regime rather than finding a cleaner, healthier solution.
Ali Shakur, USA

Mr. Salat was elected by the people for the people. For the sake of ourselves why are some people calling him another warlord. Do we care if one big warlord makes Somalia a peaceful place? All we want is safer environment for those who have been ten years of hell.
Mohamed Caato, Canada

I would advise Salat not to rush and try to make Somaliland part of his government because it will not work for many reason

Saeed MSD, UK

I came from Somaliland, the small state that declared its independence from rest of Somalia. and although I believe as I'm sure that my death is inevitable Somali will be unified as a single state once again in the future. However, I would advise Salat not to rush and try to make Somaliland part of his government because it will not work for many reasons. The people of Somaliland have not yet recovered from post Siyad Barre trauma. My golden advice would be "Built the Southern of Somalia, once you done come and negotiate with the people of Somaliland not to impose what you believe is right"
Saeed MSD, UK

I am highly optimistic and pray for the newly established government to succeed. The president sounds determined and committed. I do strongly believe the establishment of impartial law enforcers because there will be disputes over ownership of properties and lives lost. We lost a whole decade over leadership disputes, where rest of the world was on information technology and biotechnology.
Ahmed M. Dirie, Philippines

I hope the Somali people will come to their senses not to repeat the same mistakes of the last ten years and realise it as the time to build the country ignoring the so-called warlords.
A. A. Ahmed, UK

Hope at last! A new president for Somalia. This marks the end of the turbulent years which claimed many lives. A new president means opening a new lease of life for the peace-hungry Somalis. We do hope that the new president will bring about peace as it is evident of the warm welcome he received when he first arrived in Mogadishu. He has the support of almost all Somalis. He has the support of the powerful Muslim courts that operate in Mogadisho. The president, as he earlier stated in his first speech, should use dialogue as a means of solving obstacles an reconciling the worrying parties. He should not bother S/land and P/land at the moment but after he has established a transitional government in Mogadisho. They would hopefully join in future.
Mohamed Bashir and Abdi Ali Duale, Canada

I have no doubt in my mind that Somalia will finally be able to break its long cycle of chaos, violence and anarchy

Mohamud H. Khalif, Toronto, Canada

I have no doubt in my mind that Somalia will finally be able to break its long cycle of chaos, violence and anarchy. The new government and the election of its president are the result of the collective will of the Somali people through their representatives and are therefore legitimate. It's the media, and especially the BBC, that are making the warlords seem important and capable of standing in the way of the people's wish to decide their fate.
The warlords should be seen as nothing more than war criminals who deserve to be prosecuted by an international war crimes tribunal.
As for Puntland and Somaliland, they should, through a peaceful dialogue, be reasoned into preserving Somalia's unity and territorial integrity, for without them Somalia will be weak and without Somalia they will almost cease to exist.
Mohamud H. Khalif, Toronto, Canada

Definitely, Somalis will come together to rebuild their country after they are sick and tired of Warlords, and I am sure that the warlords will accept this newly elected government because this government is all for Somalis.
Suleiman D. Fiqi, Canada

This is a new dimension to the chaos

Abdirahman, Somalia

A new faction leader is on the rampage.
The new faction leader would make difference only if he pacifies the chaotic city of Mogadishu, shuns being the president of Somalia and starts dialog with the local administrations of the states like Puntland and Somaliland on how to bring Somalia to a federal system. But if he miscalculates like late Aidid, his kinsman, or like late Siyad Barre, his mentor, there is no end in sight to the Somali chaos.
Abdirahman, Somalia

I'm a 15-year-old boy who has been living in London for almost 11 years and praying that one day my country will come to peace. FINALLY it has and I think the country will be much better politically.
Abdirizaq Dirir, UK

The so-called Somaliland and Puntland should stop acting stupid and join the new leader in taking Somalia forwards

Faisal Bilaadi, USA

I am sceptical yet at the same time hopeful that at last we Somalis will have peace! I have no idea what is going to happen over the next few years, but after 10 years of disaster I hope things will only improve!
The unity of Somalia is the most important thing that should be held sacred! The so-called Somaliland and Puntland should stop acting stupid and join the new leader in taking Somalia forwards.
The whole world is moving towards unity and we as a small country should not split. I just prey this is the beginning of a new and great Somalia!
Faisal Bilaadi, USA

The new President has the blessing of all Somalis who became refugees around the world.
Yahya, UK/Somalia

This is a new chapter in a new Somalia. It will be a long road to achieve total peace. Somalis and the rest of the world should work together to build a better future for Somalia.
Farrah Montana, UK

The international community should not support this new warlord, who clearly doesn't enjoy the support of the majority of Somali people

Abdi Jama, Australia

To many Somalis, Mr Abdul Kasim Salat Hassan is nothing, but a new warlord appointed by Mr Gueleh of DJabouti. It is quite clear to everyone that he can't control south Mogadishu, let alone the rest of Somalia. The international community should not support this new warlord, who clearly doesn't enjoy the support of the majority of Somali people, just because Mr Gueleh has appointed him.
Abdi Jama, Australia

This is the time all Somalis should unite for the sake of their people and their country. This is the last chance - if we lose it forget, and there will be no hope for Somalia.
Ahmed Hassan, Canada

People of Somaliland have overwhelmingly decided to reclaim their independence and no amount of misleading information and threats would bring them back to that illegal union with Somalia. Having said that, we wish the people of Somalia all the best and they may find peace.
This Djibouti made government is not to their best interest for it contains all the war criminals who destroyed their country and left them without a government for over ten years. However, only the people of Somalia can make the needed changes. I hope they would have the wisdom of the people of Somaliland and they would take charge and solve their problems by themselves. They should realise that Somaliland is GONE forever and they should form good neighbourly relations with them.
Khadra Ibrahim, UK

I am grateful for our new president, and hope he succeeds in his mission

Axmad Maxamad, USA

I am grateful for our new president, and hope he succeeds in his mission. However, I wonder how he can accomplish disarming the Somali Warlords and civilians.
Axmad Maxamad, USA

It is the people of Somaliland who decide that not Salat or Egal. And they expressed already that they will never gamble their destiny again to join Somalia. And even if Egal goes to Somalia he will be all by himself! That is voice of the people of Somaliland.
Ismail Pasha, Canada

If only there was hope. But for Africa, there is little. Soon, another warlord will want to establish himself, and the cycle goes on. There is no hope. Africa needs neo-colonists.
Chege Ag, Kenya

Definitely yes, Somali people are sick and tired of warlords.
Mohamed Warsame, Somalia

I am doubtful but at the same time hopeful that Somalia will move away slowly from unending chaos

Saadi Sheikh Abukar, USA

I am doubtful but at the same time hopeful that Somalia will move away slowly from unending chaos. I hope that the warlords in Somalia and particularly the ones in Mogadishu will come to their senses and for the sake of our country and children realise that it is time to get back to the business of rebuilding Somalia.
Saadi Sheikh Abukar, USA

The newly elected president has to look for a place to settle his government before he gains international recognition. There is no way he can bring P/land and S/land into united Somalia as they be economically stronger than so-called interim government.
A Shakur, USA

I am sceptical on whether the warlords will accept the new head of state. They thrive on other people's misery. I hate to think that the people's hope of peace could be shattered by some greedy individuals whose interest is on creating more wealth for themselves. I pray for divine intervention in Somalia.
Clement Chiwaya, Malawian studying in USA