The Siad Barre Era and the Importance of a visionary patriotic leadership

Abdulkadir Mohamed Osman, “Abdiboqor” - By writing this article, I want to make comparisons of two countries. One is mine: Somalia and the other is Malaysia where I currently live. I will be telling both the good and the bad for fairness. At the same time I want to remember and record part of my country’s history. I also want to inspire both current and future leaders in order to make them realize that the legacy that they leave behind for the Ummah is what matters most.

Editorial Keydmedia Online
7 November 2013

Let me first start with Malaysia. Malaysia got its independence on August 30, 1957, and three years later my country (Somalia) got its independence on July 1, 1960. Two men led these two countries the longest, one led Malaysia as its Prime-Minster for 22-long years, and the other led Somalia as its President for 21-long years. One was a medical doctor and his name is Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohammad, and the other was a military General, his name was Gen. Mohamed Siad Barre.

One came to power through the resignation of his predecessor (Tun Hussein bin Dato