Regional allies of the Congolese President, Laurent Kabila, have pledged to step up their military support in driving rebels out of the east of the country.

The statement follows talks in the Congolese city of Lubumbashi between Mr Kabila and the presidents of Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The three leaders are also reported to have rejected American efforts to end the fighting.

A senior American envoy, Susan Rice, is touring the region and arrived in Zambia on Sunday.