Bishop Giorgio Bertin on the New developments in Somalia

Parliament in Somalia on Monday elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s new head of State. He replaces Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the transitional leader, who was also in the presidential race. The outgoing president accepted defeat and congratulated Mr. Mohamud. President Mohamud was sworn in immediately after the election. Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991. Bishop Giorgio Bertin is the Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu. He made the following observations about the new developments in Somalia.