NAMIBIA: Sam Nujoma, the fiery freedom fighter who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, died today aged 95.

Mr Nujoma’s death was announced today by current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, who said Mr Nujoma died on Saturday night after being hospitalised in the capital, Windhoek.

INDIA: At least 31 suspected Maoist rebels and two police officials were killed today in the deadliest combat so far this year in central India, police said.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers launched an operation in the forests of the Indravati area of Chhattisgarh state, said state police Inspector General Pattilingam Sundarraj.

MALI: Gunmen have attacked a convoy of 60 vehicles being escorted by Mali’s army, killing 25 civilians, a military spokesman said today.

The attack took place on Friday about 18 miles from Gao, the largest city in the country’s north-east where armed groups hostile to the government operate.

It was the deadliest attack on civilians this year.

CHILE: President Gabriel Boric on Saturday issued state of emergency decrees for two regions in the centre and south of the country due to the threat of raging wildfires.

He said the measures for Nuble and Maule, which are aimed at saving forests, fields, homes and human life, would include curfews to allow the authorities to tackle possible criminal acts.

Speaking at a press conference at the presidential palace, President Boric said he has “reasons to believe that a large part of the fires that affect the Araucania area today are deliberate.”