Military Coup Led by General Siad Barre

The military coup led by General Siad Barre marked a pivotal shift in Somalia's political landscape. Following the assassination of President Sharmarke, Barre and the Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC), which included key figures such as Brigadier General Mohamed Ainanshe Guled and Lieutenant Colonel Salaad Gabeyre Kediye, seized control of the government. The SRC swiftly dissolved the existing parliamentary structure, the Supreme Court, and suspended the constitution, effectively consolidating power under a new regime. This transition was characterized by the renaming of the nation to the Somali Democratic Republic, signaling a departure from previous governance and the establishment of a military-led administration. Under Barre's leadership, the revolutionary government initiated extensive public works programs aimed at modernizing the country's infrastructure and improving living conditions. These initiatives were part of a broader strategy to garner popular support and legitimize the new regime. However, the suspension of democratic institutions and the centralization of power raised concerns about human rights and governance. The impact of Barre's rule would resonate throughout Somalia's subsequent history, influencing political dynamics and societal structures for decades to come.