Somalis are desperate for peace after 14 years of civil war

President Abdullahi Yusuf was elected by Somalia's parliament in the safety of neighbouring Kenya, where he remains in exile.

The election of the 70-year-old, a military strongman and former president of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, is the latest attempt to restore order after 14 years of civil war in Somalia.

His task is to return a unified, effective central government to Somalia and rebuild a nation carved into fiefdoms by rival warlords.

The challenges facing his new government are enormous. The United Nations has estimated that at least $5bn will be needed to rebuild Somalia in the long term.

BBC's Africa Live is asking: What will it take for the administration to return home? Do you think the politicians are up to the job of sorting out Somalia? What role should the African Union and other countries play?

Tell us what you think by using the form on the right and join the debate on Wednesday 17 November at 1630GMT and 1830GMT on the BBC World Service.

If you would like to take part in the discussion, include your telephone number, which will not be published.

This debate has just been published. A selection of your comments will be posted below.

Your Comments:

The problem with Somalia is precisely politicians. The majority of Somali politicians today are either former Siad Barre ministers who looted and destroyed the country and therefore lack legitimacy. What we need are young, educated, untainted and visionary politicians. At present there is no single high profile politician in Somalia who can meet these criteria.
Said Ahmed, Hargeisa

Somalia needs a president with a visionary character, who will seek consensus and the trust of its five major clans. President Abdullahi Yusuf's call for peacekeepers has been a dividing issue, due to a lack of consultation with his new parliament and the major players in Somalia. Somalis in the south require to reconcile first fully, develop basic structures on the ground. Once it has proven itself, then the African Union can get involved.
Mahomed Dawood, South Africa

As Somalis predict, this new transitional government has a lot of difficult problems that need to be solved in an impartial way, without harming any clan or any top prominent leader in Somalia. Somalis learned that their deplorable mistake to seek hate and isn't constructive. Now they got a small and very ill-armed government after fourteen years of conflict and violence.
Mohamed Noor Salad, Kenya

The newly elected President is a very capable military person, but needs to shed his tribal egos. He is the best person for the nation. For his government to succeed, he should immediately do the following: Stop calling for the deployment of foreign forces before testing the waters: Leave former British Somaliland alone for the time being and accept and acknowledge Mogadishu as the capital of Somalia.
Abdicase Ahmed, New York

The government of Abdullahi Yusuf should move beyond clan lines once the 60,000 militias roaming the streets of the capital are disarmed. Somalia cannot afford to be breeding ground for terrorists and market for arms dealers. It is about time that it should rejoin the community of nations and reclaim its place in the international forum.
Mohamed Hussein, Vancouver, Canada

The Kenya meetings concerning Somalis didn't produce a solution. It exacerbated Somali conflicts. The so called parliament and the president don't represent anyone except those who are elected and the AU that put its stamp. The solution of Somalia can be attained by the world recognising Somaliland and that solutions for the Somalia conflict (south Somalia) can only be found from within.
Mohamed Jama, Ottawa, canada

The idea of putting former warlords in charge of the country and government official seats is the worst fear for democracy. But then again, Siad Barre was the only dictator who held the Somali people together for 20 plus years.
Ahmed Abdi, Texas, USA

First of all, we must make sure all militia groups are disarmed, there should be law & order throughout the country with the help of the AU and the UN. This could be achieved by protecting businesses and creating a safe environment for investment. Think about the Somalis all over the world who have money to invest and they are not sure if they can risk going back home where anarchy and murder is part of everyday life..
Mohamed Osman, Canada

It will take the resignation of President Abdullahi Yusuf for the administration to return home. He lacks the credibility and trust to administer the nation. His experience as President of the Puntland State of Somalia speaks volumes about his leadership.
Samatar Ali, Brasilia, Brazil

The president of Somalia must negotiate with the people of Somalia. Forced negotiations in the sense of deploying foreign forces, be it African or Western, will do more harm than good. It is one thing for Mr Yusuf to be elected president but it is another thing for him to be seen as the president by Somalis themselves. I cannot see him bringing the Somali people together. Only time will tell.
Samsam, USA

I believe Somali people are fed up with endless of lawlessness and being ruled by a few thugs. Thus, i think they are ready for the new government. They (politicians) must work hard to gain the trust of the majority.
Mohamed A. Osman, California

What Somalia needs is not a politician's solution, but an intervention by elders. This happened in Somaliland. The elders there said "enough is enough" in one voice. The people of Mogadishu need time and space, no one likes to stay without governance, people need institutions.
Warsame Yusuf Mohamed, Sydney/Australia

Yes I think President Abdullahi Yusuf is up to the job. He is known to be an effective leader as he already proved in his semi-autonomous region of Puntland. However, the president needs the support of all Somalis as well as the international community.
Said, Nairobi, Kenya

President Abdullahi Yussuf and his administration need a strong army to control the war lords back home.
Abdihakim Fahiye, Melbourne, Australia

The only way that the new president can be up to the job of sorting out Somalia, is if he visits Somaliland and takes a seminar on how to make peace and reconciliation work.
Guled Yusuf Mohamed, Sydney, Australia

Since the warlords are now MPs they should bring together their personal armies and build one national army. This will save time because instead of AU and other international bodies sending in peacekeeping troops to disarm the militias they will use the money to rebuild the nation. The administration should return home as legislators and rule their country by law not guns.
Kisanya Vincent, Nairobi, Kenya

Peace means compromise. Somalis should come together and support their new leader, while reflecting on the rigours they have gone through. They should borrow a leaf from Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Freetown, Sierra Leone

The new president and his government is already a failed one. A month after his election, the new president is lodging around hotels in Nairobi and other neighbouring. How come none of the parliamentarians has been back home, how the president succeed with an exiled government?
Ali, UK

The nascent government will be able to go back home and rebuild the country if the Mogadishu warlords voluntarily disarm their militias, hand over their weapons and the warlords should not hold any portfolio because they are not trustworthy.
Makhtal, Minneapolis, USA

The possibility of the elected government going back to Mogadishu is only possible after disarmament has been done.The number of guns in Mogadishu is so alarming. Sanctions should be imposed on those dealing with small arms trade. This is one area that UN Security council should look at and not just concentrate on nuclear weapons when Kalashnikovs are killing more people than thought.
Marotso Ibrahim Sumba, Kenyan in Darfur, Sudan.

I personally believe President Abdullahi Yusuf is up to the job and would be able to put peace back into Somalia within a year. He's a charismatic leader.
Bashir Wasame, UK

President Yusuf may have a controversial past like the rest of us. But so do many of those politicians of his time and class, who have now elected him president. Therefore, he is one among many, in this regard. Some even consider him as one of the best among his contemporaries, for good or for bad. The fact that they elected him by an overwhelming majority may say something about that. I think he deserves a chance before we convict him or her.
Axmed Afcaad, Denver, Canada

The present Somali government can only survive if the world gives the means and material support to rotate the wheel. It needs to establish a diversified strong army and police to dismantle the militias and warlords. Another strong force that need to be reckon with are the fundamentalists who are mostly influential and effective in Mogadishu. The approach of wait-and-see policy of the west and UN will only lead to failure. The world should live up to its moral responsibility and give Somali a second chance or else its another haven for terrorists, drug lords and criminals.
Abdalla Jama, VP of Somali Community Association of Ohio, Columbus, Ohio

President of Somalia, Abdullahi Yusuf, please the task ahead of you is big please... please..please return a unified, effective central government to Somalia and rebuild a nation carved into fiefdoms by rival warlords. We will be very happy to see our country back in peace.
Abdirizak Ahmed, Mbale, Uganda

Somalia needs a strong leader who can once again united the Somali societies, who can once again earn the trust of the people. And we all know that Somali people are capable of getting together and rebuilding their country again. But there is one problem, can Abdullahi Yusuf reconcile the problem among the Somalis? The answer of this question remains to be seen. In my opinion though, Abdullahi is not the right man for this job because many people including myself believe that Abdullahi has committed many crimes against the Somali people and they will not trust him as a president. At the same time Somalis are ready to see their country stand with its feet again and will support any government. Finally, we will keep the good faith alive and see where it ends up!!
Sahid Ali, Colimbus, Ohio, USA

The only way Somalia can have peace is if our long-time rival Ethiopia stays neutral and not support these war criminal oppositions.
Abdiqani, Atlanta USA

I think it will rather take a collective determination and responsibility among the Somali people to insure that we move forward and build our country. Clearly, both the new president and the prime minister have the necessary capacity to lead the nation. Also, there seems a strong will for peace among all former function leaders who are now members of the national parliament. However, the disarmament of the militias remains a major technical obstacle. Therefore, it is rather about time for the international community to adhere to their moral responsibilities and support the historical momentum of peace in Somalia both financially and militarily.
Abdishakur Abdulle, Dubai, UAE

Somalia is one of the best countries in the world and our history will prove this. I know we can be where we were before and better if we support and hold acountable to the new government without thinking of what clan they come from and other trivial issues. The so called international community if they support us fully with action and not words would be a big help.But the question is are they really going to?
Liban Adam, Fairfax Virginia, USA

I think, God willing, this is a turning point in the history of Somalia. I am very proud of the way the Somali people have looked after themself for the last 15 years without a goverment. For a nation at war to have business still thrive even better than some countries at peace in africa and elsewhere is a credit to the people. Its about time Somalis put aside their clan differences and work for a greater Somalia - Soomaali Weyne.
Mustafa, Manchester United Kingdom

The 15 years of anarchy headed by 15 war mongerers are still in the minds of every Somali. I just hope this new goverment brings hope to innocent Somalis who are scattered a round the world. I urge all the international coommunity to ensure that this great horn of african country is back on the track once again.
Ahmed, New Zealand

The only way open in Somalia where people will live in peace and harmony is a federal system where each clan would take care of the internal affairs of their areas. Osman Ali, London

Many Somalis irrespective of their clans will agree with me that the election of President Abdullahi Yusuf is the last hope for Somalia. I believe he will make the country much more peaceful and more united. The only way open in Somalia where people will live in peace and harmony is a federal system where each clan would take care of the internal affairs of their areas. There is no area in Somali which can breakaway from the rest for the simple reason no area or region in Somalia is occupied by one clan. Somalia needs all the help it can get.
Osman Ali, London

The new transitional government faces insurmountable challenges which will test the will and the commitment of the chosen leaders. Hopes are high as well as expectations. The current elected leaders must work together wholeheartedly. Their success will determine the course of Somalia's history. United support from all Somali nationals wherever they are iscrucial to the developement and mangement of the country. I doubt though that Somalia will get the aid that it deserves.
Mohamed, Somalia

It seems to me both the President and the Prime Minister are strong leaders who can do something to solve the Somali problem, but what prevails in Somalia is total anarchy and almost every individual is armed. So if the International Community does not help the new government it will follow the same path as the former President and his adminstration.
Abdi Mohamed Ahmed, Nederlands

Already in Mogadishu, some people with their spritual leaders are already planning to destroy the government when it arrives in Mogadishu Omadu Walanbe, Sweden

Not yet! Because it was the trouble makers not the solvers gathered in Kenya leaving no room for anyone else. Somalis have no capacity to restore law and order. The clans hate each other as much as ever. Already in Mogadishu, some people with their spritual leaders are already planning to destroy the government when it arrives in Mogadishu. Some religious groups are also against it. So the question is who elected it, and for what was it elected.
Omadu Walanbe, Ume�, Sweden

I believe the sooner the government relocates to Somalia the better. The government should return to Somali territory while they still have momentum on their side, rather than wait and give chance to possible opposition groups to form and cause trouble for the new government in the future. While the success or the failure of this government very much depends on the Somalis, the role of the international community is also vital without which this new government can't do much. In this critical stage of our country, neutrality and justice is very important and the only neutral "clan" in the clannish mind of the Somalis is the international community "clan".
Abdirizak Bowbowle, Galkayo, Puntland, Somalia

I think Abdullahi Yusuf doesn't want to face the reality because I don't see why he needs African troops to solve the problem that is waiting for him. Does he not understand that there is no country bigger than the United States militarily and even they didn't succeed? Abdullahi Yusuf has to understand that he was elected to find a solution for the Somali people and not to ask the international community to send troops. He has to understand that he has to solve the problem and that's what leadership is all about.
Ibrahim Mohamed Said, Lewiston USA

The new government needs a security force to ensure it can last in Mogadishu. I believe an International force, especially an African force is essential.The president and the prime minister need to reach an agreement with the other warlords to ensure a smooth return of the government.
Mahmoud Mohamed, London Uk

As long as the world keeps silent, especially the US and the United Kingdom, there will be no peace in Somalia. The African Union and other countries that are concerned and interested in restoration of peace and stability in Somalia should not give up their efforts to persuade Somalis to continue reconciliation, peace and harmony among themselves.
Peter Tuach, Minnesota, USA

Are those armed factions willing to give a chance to this new president? Abdirisak Bactrin, Minnesota, USA

The absence of a central government in Somalia since 1991 has allowed outside forces to become more influential by supporting various groups and persons in Somalia for personal gain. The new president needs to learn from the mistakes and failures of the former transitional governments. My worry is, are those armed factions willing to give a chance to this new president since they are the heart of the problem?
Abdirisak Bactrin, Minnesota, USA

So long as there are warlords roaming around in Somalia, I don't see a viable peace solution here.
Ahmed Hassan, Minneapolis, USA

If the new Somali government wants to return home, it must arrange for the disarmament of thousands of militias as soon as possible, while building up adequate security forces to install law and order. It's up to the dedication of Somali politicians as well as the international community to achieve these two short-term goals as soon as possible.
Abdulcadir Kassim, The Netherlands

I think President Abdullahi Yusuf is up to the job. His resume is better than any other politician on the stage of Somali politic. There is a Somali saying that says "farkaliya fool madhaqdo" that means "one finger cannot wash the whole face". African Union can help but ultimately it is up to the Somalis to revive the nation again.
Anwar Hassan, North Carolina

If the President wishes to return to the capital amid welcoming arms, he must first open his. Mohammed Said Issa, Canada/Somalia

First, let me send my deepest wishes to the current administration because they are faced with the overwhelming task of uniting our people. Secondly, it will take more than half-hearted promises and gestures to win over the hearts and minds of the Somali people. If the President wishes to return to the capital amid welcoming arms, he must first open his. We (Somalis) are a forgiving people and we hold no grudges, so long as the interest of our nation is before the individual.
Mohammed Said Issa, Canada/Somalia

If only Ethiopia stays out of Somali affairs, I am 100% confident this government will succeed. But, as long as Ethiopia has a role in Somalia affairs, there will be no peace in Somalia.
Osman Dahir, USA

It will take dedication, determination, and sheer will to build a functioning government after 14 years of lawlessness. I do believe it can happen with the help of the international community especially the EU and the AU countries as well as the US. The international role should be securing the country physically with troops and providing the financial wherewithal to begin rebuilding. On the question of Somaliland, the international community should facilitate talks of re-integration because no one recognises it now and to do so would set a very dangerous trend of secession in many African countries.
Mohamed Noor, Virginia, USA

The two years of political wrangling in which the warlords eventually crowned Abdullahi Yusuf as their leader is just another wasted opportunity for restoring peace and rule of law in beleaguered country. President Yusuf's appointment is just rubbing in the pain of an already suffering nation. His recent provocations against Somaliland is a classic example for his hidden agendas.
Ahmed N. Amin - Assad, Cardiff, Wales

The solution to our problem would be for all Somalis to start loving their country and not their clan. I am sure peace will prevail in Somalia if we make good use of religion, since we all practice the same religion and speak the same language. I hope this new government can guide us to the right direction and I believe it will if given time.
Abbas Noor, London, Uk

Reaching some kind of a consensus to put in place a "Somali Government" was a step in the right direction. Electing an ex-warlord to be at the helm was probably a step in the wrong direction. Power sharing on a clan basis is a reality which must be reckoned with. Once elected, the individual should work towards strengthening the national fabric, rather than protecting the clan base. If every official finds the courage to dissociate the national interest from destructive interests, the country will move foreword. Claiming land in Somaliland by extending the definitions of clan relationships, will not lead to a unified Somalia. Somaliland was a viable entity before the Somali Republic was formed and the clans co-existed peacefully. Somaliland has proved that "some Somalis" can create a social contract built on peace, harmony and democracy, while others were slaughtering each other in the name of clan supremacy. The President should emulate that principle, build on it and try to find a viable solution where all Somalis can share life under the same flag with justice and liberty for all.
Ibrahim Bullo, Annandale, Virginia, USA

Chaos in one African country is a reflection on the entire continent Hakim Abdi, Montclair, New Jersey, US

Somali politics is in need of a total disregard of the inter-clan warfare that is the root of the civil war. Somalis are the only nation that is comprised of the same ethnic group, the same religion and speak the same language. Somalia has a huge potential in being a major player in the African economy. Not only has Somalia the largest coastline in Africa, but it is also situated close to the major business regions of the world (North Africa, East Africa, Middle East, South and South-East Asia). Somalia can be a power-player because of the country's situation close to the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait. Politicians are up to the job, only if they focus on bringing our country back on the world stage. They must not concentrate on personal achievement, but rather on a collective effort to rebuild Somalia. After all, chaos in one African country is a reflection on the entire continent. The African Union must also monitor Ethiopia which has been accused of keeping the animosity alive and providing arms in order to prolong the war.
Hakim Abdi, Montclair, New Jersey, US

This is the best chance we Somalis have had in years to restore peace in our country. It is time for the AU and the international community to show some courage and help this new government. If that happens I am sure peace will prevail in Somalia and all countries will benefit.
Abdi Osman, UK