The new transitional parliament of Somalia, meeting in neighbouring Djibouti, is voting today to choose a head of state.

The country, which is divided between rival clan-based factions, has not had a president or a central government since the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991.

More than two-hundred delegates attending the parliament are due to choose between more than twenty presidential candidates. Correspondents say the delegates are likely to seek a new leader and government acceptable to the main armed factions.

However, some key faction leaders have boycotted the peace process in Djibouti, saying they will not recognize the new government.

The new president is due to be sworn in on Sunday.

Previous News

July News
June News
May News
April News
March News
February News
January News