Strike suspended in Sierra Leone

Freetown has been stable since war ended in 2002

Trade Unions have suspended the first general strike in Sierra Leone to be held since the civil war ended three years ago.

On Tuesday the country was brought to a standstill, but shops and offices have begun reopening says the BBC's Lansana Fofana from the capital, Freetown.

The trade unions say that the government has agreed to all but two of their conditions, linked to better pay.

The union still want an increase in the minimum wage and salary increments.

Living standards are extremely low in Sierra Leone which is still struggling to rebuild itself after years of civil war.