The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

In his article for the International Herald Tribune, Dayo Olopade outlines the many challenges facing Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the new president who won a decisive vote among parliamentarians in the recent election. Within days of his inauguration, Mohamud survived an assassination attempt, an event “emblematic of the challenges ahead.”

Mohamud, “a political outsider who comes from the comparatively taint-free academy,” is seen as a symbol of change and a movement forward for Somalia.” To many, he was a surprising choice as he was not a favored member of the Transitional Federal Government (T.F.G.) and only became a member of parliament last month. During his frequent radio commentary, Mohamud focused on improving “education for the vast youth population, which is vulnerable to the influence of groups like Al Shabab.”

On election day, people around Mogadishu were reported chanting, “‘Somalia has been liberated! The new president is here.’” While his election has brought promise to the Somali people, concerns remain about the country’s future. As Olopade reports, Mohamud will have to fight for a more “representative democracy” and select a cabinet that “favors corruption-free outsiders.”