Somali president: 'We're scared'

The Somali president said from London that he was "scared" despite optimism expressed by the international community about the future of the war-torn country. World leaders gathered Thursday in London for a one-day conference on the future of Somalia. Security has improved in parts of the country, though the transitional government struggles to exert authority much beyond the capital Mogadishu. Delegates issued a 26-point communique outlining their commitment to the war-torn country. "We looked forward to the day when the situation in Somalia would have made sufficient progress for an international conference to be held there," the statement read. "In the meantime, we will redouble our efforts to support the people of Somalia in their search for a better future for their country." World leaders expressed optimism that Somalia was turning the corner after years of civil war. British Prime Minister David Cameron said the country was "within reach" of establishing a functioning central government that would be truly representative. The United Nations commended Somalia earlier for moving closer to ending the tenure for the interim government. The London communique declared the U.N. mandate for the interim administration wouldn't be extended beyond August. Humanitarian groups had expressed concern about ongoing conflict in a country where al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabaab seeks to establish an Islamist state. Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed was quoted by the BBC as saying there were lingering concerns for his country despite the international optimism. "We're looking for security," he said. "We're scared of tomorrow."