Mohamed Siad Barre (Somali: Maxamed Siyaad Barre; Arabic: محمد سياد بري‎; October 6, 1919 – January 2, 1995) was the military dictator and President of the Somali Democratic Republic from 1969-91. During his rule, he styled himself as Jaalle Siyaad ("Comrade Siad").The Barre-led military junta that came to power after a coup d'état in 1969 said it would adapt scientific socialism to the needs of Somalia. It drew heavily from the traditions of China.