Heads of state and representatives from nearly fifty African countries are in Paris for a summit meeting which is expected to be dominated by the continuing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the threat it poses to neighbouring countries.

The summit -- to be opened by the French president, Jacques Chirac -- is the biggest of its kind and will also consider other security issues affecting Africa.

Correspondents say the summit is also likely to reflect a shift in French policy towards Africa, with more emphasis on encouraging democracy and extending French influence beyond its former colonies.

The BBC Africa reporter says France has suffered a number of setbacks in Africa recently - particularly the fall of President Mobutu, a key French ally - while the United States has been taking a greater interest in the continent.