Siad Barre

Human Rights Watch describes Siad Barre as manipulating clan loyalties, favouring his own Marehan clan in the army and civil service, and weakening institutions capable of acting as independent mediators.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

After the SNM offensive against Hargeisa and Burao, government forces launched a counter-insurgency campaign involving massive bombardment and attacks on civilians. Human Rights Watch estimates that 50,000 to 60,000 Isaaq were killed between May 1988 and January 1990 and hundreds of thousands fled.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Command responsibility

Following a match at Mogadishu stadium where Siad Barre had delivered a speech, soldiers opened fire as a crowd attempted to leave. Africa Watch reported more than one hundred unarmed civilians killed in the incident.

State of the evidence

Documented

The army killed seventeen Isaaq men and seriously wounded two others outside a restaurant in Berbera, in retaliation for SNM attacks on government personnel and property. The United States lodged an official protest.

State of the evidence

Documented

Africa Watch documents the destruction of crops, livestock and food supplies, poisoning of wells and looting of civilian property intended to deprive the SNM of social support and drive non-combatants into exile.

State of the evidence

Documented

The regime's attempts to reduce Isaaq economic and political influence contributed to the emergence of the Somali National Movement. Detention, torture, summary executions and discrimination intensified before the outbreak of open war in 1988.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Command responsibility

The regime established the National Security Service, with extensive powers to monitor political offences and detain people without trial. Surveillance networks, political tribunals and paramilitary structures contributed to the suppression of dissent.

State of the evidence

Documented

Following the April 1978 attempted coup led largely by Majeerteen officers, regime forces targeted Majeerteen civilians for reprisals. Human Rights Watch describes this episode as the beginning of a recurring pattern of collective punishment based on clan affiliation.

State of the evidence

Documented

After supporting the Western Somalia Liberation Front, Siad Barre's government initially deployed regular soldiers disguised as rebels, then launched a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia's Ogaden. The offensive ended in defeat in 1978.

State of the evidence

Well documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Following religious protests against a law granting women, among other things, equal inheritance rights, twenty-three religious leaders were arrested. Ten were executed after accusations of acting against state security and under foreign influence.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Person targeted by the proceedings

ten sheikhs

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

Siad Barre seized power in a military coup. His regime progressively dismantled independent institutions, banned political parties and autonomous political activity, and concentrated the state apparatus around the presidency and revolutionary party.

State of the evidence

Well documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility