Mohamed Farrah Aidid

Mohamed Farrah Hassan Aidid (Dec. 15, 1934 - Aug. 1, 1996) was one of the most prominent Somali military leaders, politicians, and revolutionaries during the civil war in Somalia in the late 20th century. He is best known for his command of the Somali National Alliance (SNA) and for his major role in the Battle of Mogadishu, which drew world attention to the crisis in Somalia.

                                             

Early Life and Education

Aidid was born in Beledwene in central Hiiraan in Somalia. He belonged to the Hawiye clan, a large and powerful clan in Somali society. Aidid studied in Somalia before receiving military training from foreign countries, including Italy and the Soviet Union, where he acquired military strategy and leadership skills.

Military Career 

He rose through the military rank to become a significant figure in the military during the autocratic regime led by Siad Barre, who was the military dictator of Somalia from 1969 to 1991. However, he became disenchanted with Barre's regime and seized the chance to ally himself with rebel forces. He played a major role in the Somali Civil War after the regime of Barre collapsed in 1991. 

Leadership in the Somali National Alliance (SNA)

Aidid emerged as a leader of the United Somali Congress (USC) and later created the Somali National Alliance (SNA), an umbrella organization of diverse factions. His ideal world was that of a centralized government in Somalia with his ambition colliding with that of his counterparts, hence escalating the civil unrest.

Battle of Mogadishu

In 1993, Aidid was thrust into the limelight during the Battle of Mogadishu, when UN peacekeepers and U.S. forces were involved in an operation aiming to stabilize Somalia. It was noted that the conflict escalated after Aidid's forces were blamed for targeting UN personnel, resulting in a U.S.-led mission to capture him.

The infamous battle happened on October 3-4, 1993, when U.S. troops conducted a raid in Mogadishu to capture Aidid's top lieutenants. The raid was very costly for both sides, culminating in the death of 18 U.S. soldiers, with hundreds of Somalis also dying. This engagement will later be narrated in a book and a film under the title "Black Hawk Down." 

Presidency and Death

In June 1995, Aidid proclaimed himself the President of Somalia, although the international community didn't acknowledge his rule. His rule was marked by unabated violence and lack of central authority in the country.

Aidid died of injuries sustained in the clashes with rival factions on August 1, 1996, in Mogadishu. His demise naturally signaled an end to a controversial and divisive legacy, viewed in various lights: some saw him as a nationalist leader; others as a warlord whose writ helped further fragment Somalia into chaos. 

Legacy

Mohamed Farrah Aidid is a highly controversial historical figure in Somalia. Supporters believe that he is a patriotic leader out to restore Somali unity, while critics argue that he deepened the internal divisions and agonies of his country. His involvement in the Battle of Mogadishu and the entire Somalia civil war are debated and examined as a historical approach.