Siad Barre, Former President of Somalia

Siad Barre was an army officer and politician who served as Somalia's president from 1969 to 1991.

Promising to resolve clan rivalries and improve his country's economic situation through "scientific socialism," he seized power in a bloodless coup. Not delivering on his promises, however, Barre contributed to more turmoil.

Promoting himself and his regime, his erstwhile socialist government eventually became an autocracy. It was not uncommon, during his regime, to see pictures and posters of Barre in Somalian towns and cities.

When he was forced out of power, Barre took refuge in Kenya. He died there in 1995.