Some speak nostalgically of the days of Siad Barre, the despot toppled in 1991.

ECONOMIST: Somalia's government and warlords

In late Jan. 1991, Somali warlords toppled the government of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

NPR: Pentagon: 'Credible Evidence' for Attack on Somalia

American officials have not recognized it since warlords toppled dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

CNN: Africa: Top 5 stories of the week are ...

He took office in 2012 after the first election of its kind since President Mohamed Siad Barre.

BBC: UN eases decades-old Somalia arms embargo for one year

Somaliland unilaterally declared independence after the overthrow of Siad Barre - who led Somalia's last functioning national government.

BBC: Britons warned of Somaliland threat

It was the first vote of its kind in the country since warlords toppled military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

BBC: IMF recognises Somalia government after 22-year break

Mr Mohamud took office in 2012 after winning the first election of its kind since Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991.

BBC: Somali president Mohamud's plea to diaspora in Minnesota

Since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has seen clan-based warlords, Islamist militants and its neighbours all battling for control.

BBC: Somali and African Union troops enter Kismayo

The only real difference in the two stories, besides the relative insignificance of the Comoros, is that the French decided the deposed Comoran president, Mr. Siad Mohamed Djohar, was too unpopular.

CNN: HE BRITISH FORCES LANDED

However, early indications were that Mr Kahin, who became president in 2002 when his predecessor died and who once served in the regime of Siad Barre, Somalia's last military dictator, had lost to Ahmed Silanyo.

ECONOMIST: Somaliland's elections