The rebels set about shelling Kuito and fierce fighting is reported in Bie and Huambo provinces.

ECONOMIST: Angola

As an example, he cites the provincial town of Huambo in central Angola, which had no Chinese shops seven years ago.

BBC: RELATED BBC SITES

Another advance, north-east out of Huambo, has passed through the ruins of Bailundo and is said to be bogged down in fighting on the road to Andulo.

ECONOMIST: Angola: Battling, in the rain | The