When President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud (HSM) was elected in May, Somalis hoped for a shift in politics, stronger security, and a rapid response to the ongoing drought. His campaign slogan, Somalia at peace with itself and with the rest of the world, raised expectations. Since then, HSM’s government has seen mixed success in addressing pressing national issues. In South West State (SWS), the Speaker of the Federal Parliament facilitated talks between President Abdiaziz Laftagareen and political rivals in an effort toward reconciliation. However, tensions persist, with political violence in Baidoa resulting in civilian deaths. The relationship between Puntland and the federal government has also deteriorated, with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni suspending cooperation until disputes over the constitution, security, and power-sharing are resolved.