Somalia: Mohamed Siad Barre (1919 – 1995) was the military dictator and President of the...

Mohamed Siad Barre (October 6, 1919 – January 2, 1995) was the President of the Somali Democratic Republic from 1969–91. The Barre-led military junta that came to power after a coup d'etat in 1969 said it would adapt scientific socialism to the needs of Somalia. It drew heavily from the traditions of China. Volunteer labour harvested and planted crops, and built roads, hospitals and universities. Almost all industry, banks and businesses were nationalised, and cooperative farms were promoted. After 21 years of military rule, Barre's Supreme Revolutionary Council was eventually forced from power in the early 1990s by a coalition of armed opposition groups. He died in political exile in 1995, but was returned to Somalia for burial in his home region.