The World : Angolans Flee to Namibia

Hundreds of Angolans are fleeing into neighboring Namibia to escape fighting between right-wing rebels and Angolan government troops, a Namibian government spokesman said. Up to 700 Angolans were reported to have entered northern Namibia, causing a major headache for U.N. officials, who are preparing to repatriate thousands of Namibians after years of exile. An international airlift of Namibian refugees starts today, the latest stage in the colony’s U.N.-organized transition to independence from South Africa. Under the U.N. peace plan for Namibia, general elections will be held in November after the refugees have returned home, and a constitution will be drawn up before full independence next year.