Hussein Farrah Aidid vs Saw Maung

Hussein Farrah Aidid served as a U.S. Marine, including a tour of duty in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope. This background made his later role as a warlord fighting U.S. forces highly ironic and controversial.

After the death of his father, Mohamed Farrah Aidid, Hussein Farrah Aidid was chosen as the leader of the Somali National Alliance (SNA). He inherited control of the faction and continued the civil war against rival groups.

Hussein Farrah Aidid participated in the peace talks that led to the formation of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). He later served as a deputy prime minister in the TFG, marking a shift from warlord to politician.

As Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), Saw Maung ordered a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests across Burma. Thousands of civilians were killed or arrested, effectively ending the 8888 Uprising.

Saw Maung led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Maung Maung. He established the SLORC, a military junta that ruled Burma with absolute authority, suspending the constitution.

The SLORC under Saw Maung officially changed the country's English name from Burma to Myanmar, and the capital Rangoon to Yangon. The move was controversial and not recognized by many democratic nations.

Saw Maung resigned as Chairman of the SLORC, reportedly due to health reasons. He was succeeded by General Than Shwe, who continued the military regime's policies.