The removal of Mohamed Siad Barre from power in Somalia represented a turning point in the country's tumultuous history. As the leader since 1969, Barre's regime was characterized by heavy repression, human rights abuses, and a socialist agenda that failed to yield economic stability. His government struggled with clan rivalries and the rise of opposition groups, particularly during the late 1980s when the Somali National Movement and other rebel factions intensified their campaigns against his rule. As the civil war escalated, public discontent grew, urging various clans to band together to challenge Barre's authority.

By January 1991, the alliances of local clan leaders had gained the upper hand. Following fierce battles in Mogadishu, Barre's forces were ultimately unable to maintain control. Facing overwhelming resistance and internal strife, Barre fled the capital as the rebel forces took over, paving the way for Ali Mahdi Muhammad, a prominent opposition leader, to declare himself interim president. Although Mahdi's leadership appeared to signal a new beginning, it did not restore order, as infighting among clans quickly led to further chaos and disintegration of the state's central authority.

The power struggle in Somalia did not cease with Barre's fall. Instead, it spiraled into an era of civil war, with various factions vying for control. Mahdi's administration struggled to unify a war-torn country and confront the deep-seated clan divisions. The absence of a centralized government led to the rise of warlords, exacerbating human suffering and fueling humanitarian crises. As Somalia descended further into mayhem, international attention grew, but efforts to stabilize the country faced significant challenges due to the fragmented nature of its political landscape and the competing interests of powerful clan leaders.