In October 1969, Somalia experienced a sudden political upheaval as Major General Mohamed Siad Barre staged a coup d'état, resulting in the overthrow of the civilian government of President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke. The coup was largely precipitated by discontent regarding the government's handling of clan rivalries, corruption, and economic concerns that had plagued the country. Barre's rise to power was marked by the slogan of the revolution, 'Unity, Work, and Progress', which resonated with a populace weary of political instability.

Upon seizing power, Barre moved quickly to consolidate control, dissolving political parties and imposing a single-party state under his Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party. His administration implemented policies based on Marxist-Leninist principles, seeking to nationalize key industries and redistribute land. The regime positioned itself as a champion of the peasants and workers, promoting socialist ideals while attempting to foster a strong national identity in a country marked by clan divisions. The establishment of a Marxist government significantly influenced Somalia's foreign relations, aligning it more closely with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The regime's emphasis on ideological purity often led to harsh repression of dissent and opponents, contributing to a complex legacy of governance that faced both domestic challenges and international scrutiny. The coup significantly changed not only the political landscape of Somalia but set in motion a series of events that would culminate in civil strife and eventual state collapse in the following decades.