Somalia called to task by United Nations

The U.N. Security Council called on Somali leaders to form an inclusive government but also expressed concerns about political intimidation. Somalia leaders last month appointed some members of Parliament and drafted a constitution in a move that ended a political transition period. Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud was inaugurated last weekend. The Security Council adopted a resolution welcoming the formal end to Somalia's political transition but called on the country's leaders to form an inclusive government to define national priorities. There hasn't been a formal central government in Somalia since the 1990s. The current administration struggles to extend its authority beyond Mogadishu given the influence of al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabaab. The resolution encouraged Mohamud to appoint a primer minister who would appoint a formal Cabinet. "Expressing concern over reports of irregularities and intimidation during the Parliament selection process, as well as reports of financial misappropriation, the council urged the Somali authorities to take effective action to end such practices," a statement from the Security Council read. U.S. Ambassador to Somalia James Swan, in a separate statement, said Somali leaders have a "daunting list of challenges" ahead. "These include obviously the continued need to build on recent security gains against al-Shabaab," he said. Al-Shabaab has lost control over parts of Somalia, where the nominal government was supported by African Union forces.