The election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President of Somalia on 10 September was a major event in the region, bringing to an end a deeply flawed, eight-year political transition. The election of an active member of civil society who has consistently worked to end Somalia’s conflict has both electrified Somalis and surprised and relieved the international community. This may herald a Somali version of an Arab Spring, with all the uncertainties that entails. …

The Rift Valley Institute is pleased to invite you to the Nairobi Forum for Research, Policy and Local Knowledge, for a debate on the future prospects for post-transition Somalia.