# Siad Barre

> Head of State of Somalia (1919–1995)

**Wikidata**: [Q209828](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q209828)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siad_Barre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/siad-barre

## Summary
Siad Barre was the Head of State of Somalia from 1969 to 1991, serving as the leader of the Supreme Revolutionary Council and later as the President of the Somali Democratic Republic. He played a central role in shaping Somalia's political trajectory during a period of significant conflict and governance challenges.

## Biography
- Born: October 6, 1919
- Nationality: Somali
- Education: Attended primary and secondary schools in Somalia; no further details provided
- Known for: Leading Somalia through a period of political and military transformation
- Employer(s): Supreme Revolutionary Council (1969–1991), Somali Democratic Republic (1972–1991)
- Field(s): Political leadership, military governance

## Contributions
Siad Barre led Somalia through a period of political and military restructuring, establishing the Supreme Revolutionary Council in 1969 and later the Somali Democratic Republic in 1972. His tenure was marked by efforts to centralize power, suppress opposition, and implement socialist policies. He also played a role in the Ogaden War (1977–1978) and the broader context of the Somali Civil War (1991–ongoing).

## FAQs
**What was Siad Barre's role in Somalia's government?**
Siad Barre served as the leader of the Supreme Revolutionary Council from 1969 to 1991, later becoming the President of the Somali Democratic Republic. His tenure was characterized by authoritarian rule and significant political upheaval.

**Where did Siad Barre receive his education?**
Siad Barre attended primary and secondary schools in Somalia, but no further details about his higher education are provided in the source material.

**What conflicts was Siad Barre involved in?**
Siad Barre was involved in the Ogaden War (1977–1978) and the broader context of the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. His leadership during these conflicts shaped Somalia's political landscape.

## Why They Matter
Siad Barre's leadership during the late 20th century had a profound impact on Somalia's political and social structure. His authoritarian rule and military governance set the stage for decades of instability, including the Somali Civil War. His decisions influenced the country's international relations and internal governance, leaving a lasting legacy of conflict and governance challenges.

## Notable For
- Leading the Supreme Revolutionary Council (1969–1991)
- Establishing the Somali Democratic Republic (1972–1991)
- Involvement in the Ogaden War (1977–1978)
- Central role in the Somali Civil War (1991–ongoing)
- Awarded the Order of the Somali Star (1961) and other honors

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Siad Barre was born on October 6, 1919, in Somalia. He attended primary and secondary schools in the country but no further details about his higher education are provided. His early life and education are not extensively documented in the source material.

### Political Career
Siad Barre began his political career as a member of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, which he led from 1969 to 1991. In 1972, he established the Somali Democratic Republic, a socialist state that sought to centralize power and suppress opposition. His tenure was marked by authoritarian rule and significant political upheaval.

### Military and Conflict Involvement
Siad Barre played a central role in the Ogaden War (1977–1978), a conflict over the disputed Ogaden region of Ethiopia. His leadership during this period and the broader context of the Somali Civil War (1991–ongoing) had a profound impact on Somalia's political landscape.

### Awards and Recognition
Siad Barre received several awards and honors, including the Order of the Somali Star (1961) and other military decorations. His leadership was recognized both domestically and internationally, though the extent of his international accolades is not detailed in the source material.

### Legacy and Influence
Siad Barre's legacy is one of significant political and military transformation in Somalia. His authoritarian rule and involvement in major conflicts set the stage for decades of instability, including the Somali Civil War. His decisions influenced the country's governance, international relations, and social structure, leaving a lasting impact on Somalia's history.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mohamed-Siad-Barre)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. Munzinger Personen
8. Library of Congress Authorities
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
11. Enciclopedia Treccani
12. [LIBRIS. 2015](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/97mqv73t5ctbhfc)
13. Dizionario di Storia