Center for Strategic and International Studies Statesmen’s Forum: Hassan Sheikh Mahamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia

Hassan Sheikh Mahamud was elected president by Somalia’s newly formed parliament in September 2012, becoming the first permanent Somali president since 1991. He now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a nation torn by decades of conflict and restoring the legitimacy of the state and its institutions in the eyes of the Somali people. With the al Shabaab insurgency in retreat and regional partners fully engaged, many observers see a rare opportunity for Somalia to turn a page on its chaotic past. Please join the CSIS Africa Program as we host President Hassan Sheikh for a discussion of Somalia’s progress and prospects in the coming year.