Banda, Hastings (Kamuzu)

(born c. 1898, near Kasungu [Malawi]—died Nov. 25, 1997, Johannesburg, S.Af.) First president of Malawi (1963–94). Educated as a physician in the U.S., Banda moved to Scotland and practiced medicine there. He became involved in politics when white settlers demanded the federation of Nyasaland (later Malawi) and the Rhodesias in 1949. In the 1950s he toured the country making antifederation speeches, for which he was imprisoned by British colonial officials. In 1963, when the federation was dissolved, he became prime minister. He concentrated on building his country's infrastructure and increasing agricultural productivity. Declared president for life in 1971, his rule became increasingly autocratic and austere. He was voted out of office in 1994.

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