Who Is Mohamed Farrah Aidid? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mohamed Farrah Aidid was born on December 15, 1934, in Somalia. Recognized as a formidable Somali army general, Aidid played a significant role in the country's political landscape during the tumultuous years of the 1980s and 1990s. Following the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, he emerged as a key figure in the Somali civil war, leading one of the most powerful factions. His life has been a mix of military exploits, diplomatic endeavors, and contentious power struggles, making him a significant figure in both Somali and global history.
As of 2025, Aidid's legacy continues to resonate, shaping discussions around governance, conflict, and humanitarian efforts in Somalia.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 15, 1934 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Beledweyne, Italian Somaliland |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Somalia |
| Date of death | 2 August, 1996 |
| Died Place | Mogadishu, Somalia |
Popularity
Mohamed Farrah Aidid's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Mohamed Farrah Aidid's physical attributes, such as height and weight, may not be documented in public records. However, as a military leader, he projected a commanding presence that many would associate with his status.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Mohamed Farrah Aidid was known to keep his personal life under wraps. He was married and had several children, extending a legacy that continues in Somalia. Information about his relationships is limited and has often been overshadowed by his military and political endeavors, but he is often recognized for his commitment to his family amidst the ongoing conflict.
After the cessation of hostilities between the SNA and UNOSOM, Special Representative Lansana Kouyate (replacing Adm. Johnathan Howe) successfully launched an initiative to normalize relations in March 1994.
Numerous points of contention between the respective organizations were discussed at length and understandings were reached, facilitating the normalization of the relationship between the UN and the SNA. That same year the UNOSOM forces began withdrawing, completing the process by 1995.
The withdrawal of UNOSOM forces weakened Aidid's prominence within the SNA, as the war had served to unify the alliance around a common foreign enemy.
Net Worth and Salary
While precise figures regarding Mohamed Farrah Aidid's net worth and salary during his lifetime are not available, as a military figure and political leader during times of upheaval, he likely had substantial financial resources at his disposal from both public service and other potential ventures. His influence placed him in a unique position that could have generated significant income.
Career, Business and Investments
Aidid's career was primarily military and political. As a general, he led the Somali National Army and later became the head of the United Somali Congress (USC), which played a pivotal role in the overthrow of then-President Siad Barre. His later years were characterized by his attempts to establish authority in a fragmented Somalia, often leading to violent confrontations with rival factions and foreign entities.
While there may have been limited documented business ventures, his political and military strategies often entailed negotiations and alliances that could be viewed as investments in maintaining power and influence.
Educated in both Rome and Moscow, he began his career during the 1950s serving as a police chief in the Italian ruled United Nations trusteeship security forces. Following Somalia's independence in 1960, Aidid became an officer in the Somali National Army.
He eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier general and commanded military forces during the 1977–78 Ogaden War and the 1982–83 Border War. From 1984 to 1989, he was the ambassador to India for the Somali Democratic Republic.
Social Network
During his lifetime, Mohamed Farrah Aidid was connected with numerous local and international figures in politics and military leadership. His actions drew the attention of global superpowers, contributing to increased international media coverage regarding Somalia. His involvement in events like the U.S. military's Operation Restore Hope in the early 1990s positioned him within a broader social network that included various NGOs, political analysts, and humanitarian organizations.
In 1960, Somalia gained independence and Aidid joined the newly formed Somali National Army. He was promoted to lieutenant and became aide-de-camp of Maj. Gen. Daud Abdulle Hirsi, the first commander of the Somali National Army.
Aidid first gained combat experience commanding Somali army troops during the escalating border skirmishes against the Ethiopian Imperial Army that preceded the 1964 Ethiopian–Somali War.
Requiring more formal training and having been recognized as a highly qualified officer, he was later selected to study advanced post graduate military science at the Frunze Military Academy (Военная академия им. М. В.
Фрунзе) in the Soviet Union for three years, an elite institution reserved for the most qualified officers of the Warsaw Pact armies and their allies.
Education
Details about Aidid's educational background are sparse. It is known that he received military training, which equipped him for his future roles. His educational journey, however, remains largely undocumented, as much of his formative experiences were shaped by his military service and the political turmoil in Somalia.
Soon after, during the period of the Italian ruled United Nations trusteeship which began in 1950, a young Aidid enlisted in the Corpo di Polizia della Somalia (Police Corps of Somalia) and in 1954 was sent to Italy to be trained at an infantry school in Rome, after which he was appointed to work under several high ranking Somali police officers.
In 1958, Aidid would serve as Chief of Police in Banaadir Province, and the following year he returned to Italy to receive further education. He was also a member of the Somali Youth League (SYL), the leading political group advocating for Somalia’s independence.
According to Aidid, he and other officers debated with Italian administrators who opposed forming a Somali military, arguing the United Nations would provide security for the nation. Aidid argued with Italian UN officials that the Ethiopian Empire posed a serious threat and Somalia needed its own armed forces.
