Mohamud is new president of "lawless" Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has begun the task of overseeing a nation often described as a "lawless country" after being inaugurated as Somalia's new president. The African country has been mired in civil war for over two decades and ruled by UN-backed transitional governments since 2004. Pledging to end terrorism and piracy, the former academic and activist will have a tough job on his hands dealing with tribal clans, corruption and the militant islamist group al Shabaab. Mohamud has already survived an attempt on his life after suicide bombers attacked a hotel where he was attending a news conference last Wednesday. More about: Politics, President, Somali pirates, Somalia, Terrorism