Margai, Sir Milton

Margai, Sir Milton (mär'gī) [key], 1895–1964, prime minister of Sierra Leone (1961–64). A prominent doctor, he turned to politics in 1949 and led his country to independence (1961) while serving as chief minister (1954–61). He was knighted in 1959. Milton died in office and was followed as prime minister by his brother Sir Albert Margai,. 1910–80, who had held important cabinet posts. A lawyer, Albert had frequently disagreed with his brother. As prime minister he initiated radical policies that finally led to his overthrow in a coup in 1967. He was knighted in 1965.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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