“I will not advance a [policy] or try to bring unity by military force or through diplomatic pressure. I want unity based on dialogue, respect and mutual brotherhood,” he said. “We will work to make sure that this unity has foundation and we will teach in primary schools education to our children on the importance of unity.”

Somalia's parliament elected Mr. Mohamud on Monday. On Wednesday, he was the apparent target of suicide bombers who attacked a Mogadishu hotel where the president and visiting foreign dignitaries were speaking to reporters.

In an interview with VOA , President Mohamud said the threat of violence will not keep him from doing his job.

President Mohamud's election marks the final phase in a U.N.-backed plan to create a stable, central government.

Last month, Somali leaders adopted a new constitution and installed a new federal parliament and speaker.

The new government replaces an eight-year transitional government that was largely ineffective and plagued by infighting.

The Horn of Africa country has not had a stable government since 1991.