The coup plotters, a group of northern junior officers, intended to restore the independence of the State of Somaliland.

[2] Unrest and opposition to the union further increased as southern politicians began taking up the majority of political positions in the newly unified Somali Republic.

[6] A group of at least 24[a] junior officers, including several who had been trained in Great Britain, eventually conspired to end the union between Somalia and Somaliland.

[7] The conspirators believed that they enjoyed the support of General Daud Abdulle Hirsi, head of the Somali National Army.

[5] One group of junior officer seized control of the radio station in Hargeisa, announcing their intentions and that they were supported by General Hirsi.

[5] Another group of coup plotters attempted arrest superior officers of southern origin in the town of Burao, but failed.

General Hirsi declared via Radio Mogadishu that he was not involved in the revolt, whereupon non-commissioned officers of northern origin moved against the coup members in Hargeisa.

In consequence, the officers could not be sentenced based on the Act, while the entire southern presence in the north became legally questionable.