Political newcomer Hassan Sheikh Mohamud , an academic and activist who has also worked for the United Nations and other organizations , was sworn in the capital Mogadishu after defeating incumbent president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed . In September , Somalia established its first stable central government in decades . Professor Ahmed Ismail Samatar says the new president is facing `` heavy challenges '' Samatar is a professor at Macalester College in Minnesota , U.S . He has been working with Somali refugees for years and he believes that they are ready to take over from warlords who have dominated politics since 1991.
In September , Somalia established its first stable central government in decades . Professor Ahmed Ismail Samatar says the new president is facing `` heavy challenges '' Samatar is a professor at Macalester College in Minnesota , U.S . He has been working with Somali refugees for years and he believes that they are ready to take over from warlords who have dominated politics since 1991.