MOGADISHU, Somalia, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who was sworn in as president of Somalia Sunday, landed Saturday in Mogadishu.
Mortars were fired at the presidential palace a few hours later, the BBC reported.
Ahmed was elected by members of the Somali parliament meeting in Djibouti. The former teacher, who described himself as a moderate Islamist, was the founder of the Islamic Courts Union, which brought some stability to the Mogadishu area before being ousted by Ethiopian troops in 2006.
The president said he wanted to reach out to groups that have opposed the transitional government.
"My trip to Mogadishu is aimed at having consultations with elders, politicians and Islamic resistance groups," he said after his arrival in Mogadishu.
Ahmed also appealed to the Ethiopian government for help against those who continue violent resistance.
