Somalia celebrates Anniversary of the Coup

October 21-22

The Anniversary of the Coup is a public holiday in Somalia.

On October 21, Somalis remember the Coup D’état of 1969 that installed in power General Siad Barre and brought an abrupt end to the process of party-based constitutional democracy in Somalia.
His regime, allied to the Soviet Union, developed bold reforms like national literacy campaigns, the modernization of the legal system and the introduction of a written Somali language. General Siad Barre who led the coup became the president of Somalia and remained in that position until 1991.

History of the 1969 Coup D’état

The nation of Somalia has existed in some form or another for more than 2,000 years. It wasn’t until the late 1880s that foreigners arrived, looking to colonize the country. Britain, Italy and France each claimed their own chunk of Somalia, struggling for the next 50 years over who got a bigger piece.

Finally, in 1960, Somalia gained its independence, but it was still a very unstable place. The chaos of party politics in Somalia during the first decade of Independence set the stage for the coup d’état in October 1969, which was led by General Barre and 25 other high ranking military officers called the Supreme Revolutionary Council. Although not regarded as the author of the military takeover, army commander General Siad Barre assumed leadership of the officers who deposed the civilian government. The new governing body, the Supreme Revolutionary Council, installed Siad Barre as its president.

The SRC arrested and detained at the presidential palace leading members of the democratic regime, including former president Igaal. The SRC banned political parties, abolished the National Assembly, and suspended the constitution. In an effort to unify Somalia, the new regime’s goals included an end to tribalism, nepotism, corruption, and misrule. Existing treaties were to be honored, but national liberation movements and Somali unification were to be supported. The country was renamed the Somali Democratic Republic.

Anniversary of the Coup Traditions, Customs and Activities

Even though in the past, celebrations were organized by the Military Forces, mainly in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Today the country is engulfed in severe political turmoil. The Barre regime wrought a culture of instability and violence on the country, which eventually lead to the complete disintegration of the state and a 20-year civil conflict. Somalia still struggles with deep poverty and lack of government. Many of the factions in Somalia continue to fight without regard for civilians and human rights abuses. The situation in Somalia appear to become worse by the day, so that any celebratory activities may be suspended or postponed.

Amazing History: http://www.solarnavigator.net/geography/somalia.htm