The Angolan government has started a two-week conscription drive in an attempt to turn the tide against the renewed offensive by UNITA rebels.

During the next two weeks, all Angolan men born in the year 1978 are supposed to register for compulsory military service.

The BBC Correspondent in Luanda says the move is not popular -- she says several of those affected have told her they're willing to hide for months to avoid being forced into the army.

Our correspondent adds that the Angolan army already vastly outnumbers the guerrillas of UNITA and quality -- not quantity -- of fighting men appears to be its main problem.