Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC)

The Supreme Revolutionary Council was the governing body of Somalia following the military coup of October 21, 1969, a very important time in Somali history that saw the changeover from civilian to military rule under the aegis of socialism. The SRC was led by Major General Mohamed Siad Barre and formed an important role in the political, social and economic history of Somalia throughout its time in power.

Formation and Leadership

The SRC was established immediately after the overthrow of President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke's administration. The coup followed the assassination of Sharmarke and the failure of the parliamentary system to maintain stability. Siad Barre emerged as the chairman of the SRC, alongside other senior military officials and police officers, who formed the ruling council.

Ideological and Governance

The SRC adopted a broad socialist ideology grounded in Marxist-Leninist principles geared toward the elimination of clan divisions, building national unity with the slogan “Scientific Socialism.” It made some effort to inure itself to Somalia's Islamic and traditional values, although in doing this, there was a greater emphasis on centralization and state control.

Key Policies and Reforms

1. Clan Suppression:

SRC aimed to undermine the role of clans in politics by just banning clan-based activities and advocating for a united Somali identity.

2. Literacy Campaign:

One of the prominent achievements of the SRC is the countrywide literacy campaign, a drive that introduced the Somali Latin script in 1972 and the recognition of Somali as an official language in enhancing literacy in the country.

3. Economic Policies:

The council nationalized major industries, banks, and major enterprises. Land reforms were introduced to allow equitable distribution and state ownership of resources.

4. Foreign Policy:

Somalia aligned itself with the Soviet Union and other socialist states, receiving military and economic assistance. The SRC changed its alliances to the United States in the late 1970s after a falling-out with the USSR. 

Decline and Dissolution

Challenges to military rule in Somalia, by the SRC, became maximal in the late 1970s and 1980s. It was the Ogaden War (1977-78) that marked a turning point in the popularity of the SRC, signalling a decline, with a poorly elected defeat of Somalia. Mounting economic problems, internal turbulence, and opposition from clan-based rebels further significantly weakened the regime.

In 1991, the SRC was dissolved when Siad Barre's government was deposed by armed opposition and plunged Somalia into a prolonged civil war.

Legacy

The legacy of the SRC is quite mixed. Apart from the modernization of the education and language policies for Somalia, criticisms have focused on its authoritarian rule and processes through which the concentration of power aggravated clan rivalries, ultimately leading to the collapse of the state. 

The following is a list of members of the Supreme Revolutionary Council in February 1970:

Chairman

•  Maj. Gen. Mohamed Siad Barre

Vice Chairman

• Maj. Gen. Jama Ali Korshel

Members 

•  Capt. Ahmed Mohamud Farah
• Brig.-Gen. Hussein Kulmiye Afrah
• Maj.-Gen. Mohamed Ainanshe
• Lt.-Col. Salad Gabeyre Kediye
• Lt.-Col. Mohamed Ali Samatar  
• Lt.-Col. Ali Matan Hashi
• Maj. Mohamed Sh. Osman
• Maj. Ismail Ali Abokor
• Maj. Mohamed Ali Shirreh
• Maj. Ahmed Suleiman Abdulle
• Maj. Mohamud Gelle Yusuf
• Maj. Farah Wais Dulleh 
• Capt. Ahmed Hassan Musa
• Capt. Musa Rabille Goede
• Capt. Mohamed Omar Ges 
• Capt. Osman Mohamed Jelle 
• Capt. Abdi Warsame Isaq
• Capt. Abdulkadir Haji Mohamed 
• Capt. Abdirizak  Mohamud Abubakar
• Maj. Abdulkadir  Haji Masale