Was Dr Congo DIPLOMACY Three Southern African allies of the Democratic Republic of Congo President, Laurent Kabila, say they're launching a new offensive against the rebels trying to bring him down.

The Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, said his forces and those of Namibia and Angola would strike at rebel strongholds in eastern Congo.

He said they were ready for a prolonged war and declared: "We will achieve victory." Correspondents say it has raised fears of a major escalation of the conflict in the face of rebel advances.

The rebels have said they will not be deterred by Mr Mugabe's announcement which came as the three allies ended talks in Harare; they said Zimbabwe, Namibia and Angola were involved in an undefendable cause.