Maxamed Faarax Caydiid Somali military and political figure Date of Birth: 15.12.1934 Country: Somalia

1. Early Life
2. Military Training and Service
3. Opposition to Siad Barre
4. Formation of the USC and Armed Conflict
5. Humanitarian Crisis and UN Intervention
6. Conflict with UN Peacekeepers
7. The Battle of Mogadishu
8. Self-Proclaimed Presidency
9. Death and Legacy

Early Life

Mohammed Farah Aidid was born on December 15, 1934, in Beledweyne, Mudug Province, Somalia. He belonged to the Habar Gidir tribe, a branch of the Hawiye clan.

Military Training and Service

Aidid received military training in Italy and held various positions within the Somali army, including Police Chief of Mogadishu and Chief of Staff of a training center. He later became a general in the national army and underwent further training in Moscow from 1960-1963.

Opposition to Siad Barre

During the rule of Siad Barre, Aidid spent six years in prison without trial. However, he later played a role in the Ogaden War against Ethiopia (1977-1978). In 1984, Barre appointed Aidid as Somalia's ambassador to India, but Aidid defected in 1989 to lead an armed opposition against Barre's regime.

Formation of the USC and Armed Conflict

Aidid formed the United Somali Congress (USC), the military wing of which he led. With the support of Ethiopia, he forged alliances with the Somali National Alliance (SNA) and other opposition groups. In January 1991, Barre was overthrown, leading to a civil war between Aidid and Ali Mahdi Mohammed, another rebel leader, over the presidency.

Humanitarian Crisis and UN Intervention

The ongoing civil war led to the collapse of state institutions and widespread social infrastructure, resulting in a famine that claimed the lives of approximately 300,000 people. UN attempts to provide humanitarian aid failed, as aid convoys were often looted. In December 1992, a US-led multinational force intervened in Somalia (Operation Restore Hope) to secure aid delivery.

Conflict with UN Peacekeepers

Suspecting the UN of bias and resenting foreign intervention, Aidid organized a series of attacks on peacekeepers in June 1993. A $25,000 bounty was placed on his head, but UN forces were unable to apprehend him. In August, US Delta Force and 75th Ranger Regiment troops arrived in Somalia to hunt down Aidid.

The Battle of Mogadishu

On October 3, 1993, US Special Forces were ambushed in Mogadishu by Aidid's forces, leading to a fierce battle that resulted in the death of 19 US soldiers and peacekeepers, as well as over 1,000 Somalis. The incident had a significant impact on US public opinion, leading to the withdrawal of American troops in March 1994 and UN forces a year later.

Self-Proclaimed Presidency

In June 1995, Aidid convened a national reconciliation conference where he was declared President of Somalia by his supporters. However, his rule was short-lived, as he faced opposition from within his own ranks, including Osman Atto. Aidid's forces engaged in heavy fighting in Mogadishu, and he was reportedly injured in July.

Death and Legacy

Aidid died of a heart attack on August 1, 1996, during surgery. He was buried in Mogadishu the following day. His son, Hussein Farrah Aidid, assumed the leadership of his faction, but it never gained significant influence in Somalia.