The Congo Republic government in Brazzaville says new clashes have broken out against rebel militia at Nkayi, west of the capital.

Correspondents say the area is a stronghold of forces loyal to the exiled former Prime Minister, Bernard Kolelas, and the ousted president Pascal Lissouba.

A Congo government spokesman, Francois Ibovi, said there was a climate of tension in the south and west of the country and said an enquiry would be held into what he called a vast plot against the government.