Siad Barre

Siad Barre led a bloodless military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Abdirashid Shermarke, who had been assassinated. Barre established the Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC) and declared Somalia a socialist state, beginning 22 years of authoritarian rule.

Barre declared Somalia a socialist state based on 'Scientific Socialism,' aligning with the Soviet Union. He nationalized banks, insurance companies, and major industries, and implemented land reforms. This policy reshaped Somalia's economy and foreign relations.

Barre launched an invasion of Ethiopia's Ogaden region, aiming to unite Somali-inhabited territories. Initially successful, Somali forces were forced to withdraw after the Soviet Union and Cuba intervened on Ethiopia's side. The defeat weakened Barre's regime and led to a break with the USSR.

Barre's government launched a brutal military campaign against the Isaaq clan in northern Somalia, who were supporting the Somali National Movement (SNM) rebels. An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 civilians were killed, and cities like Hargeisa were bombed, causing a humanitarian crisis.

After years of civil war, rebel factions including the United Somali Congress (USC) captured Mogadishu. Barre fled the capital and eventually went into exile in Nigeria. His overthrow led to the collapse of the Somali state and the onset of a prolonged civil war.