Guinea shuts schools over strike

Guinea's government has ordered the indefinite closure of all schools, as a national strike takes hold.

The closure follows the collapse of talks between the government and teaching unions over several months of unpaid wages and working conditions.

Guinea's two main unions, representing 80% of public and private sector workers have called a five-day general strike, starting on Monday.

They say they are protesting at the high cost of living.

The AFP news agency reports that most shops and banks are closed and there is little traffic on the streets.

The security forces are out in force but no violence has been reported, AFP says.

A government spokesman said "all primary and high schools, public and private, secondary, technical and professional are closed until further notice".

Parents were advised to keep their children at home.