Guinea police strike for more pay

Last month's protests by troops left shops and petrol stations closed

Police in the West African state of Guinea have gone on strike and fired shots into the air as they demand a pay rise and promotions.

The head of the police and several senior officers have reportedly been taken captive.

The protest follows an army mutiny last month in which troops set up roadblocks in parts of the capital, winning a salary increase and promotions.

Anonymous policemen have told radio stations that they too want a raise.

The BBC's West Africa correspondent Will Ross says the message from the protesting police seems to be: "If soldiers can go on the rampage and get promoted, then why not us?"

Living costs

On Friday all low-ranked soldiers were given a promotion in addition to a payment of more than $1,000 (£515) in salary arrears.

This was announced after mutinous troops had set up roadblocks across the capital, Conakry, fired into the air and looted shops.

Even without striking police, Guinea's stability is fragile, our correspondent says.

The country's aging president, Lansana Conte, recently sacked the prime minister who had been appointed last year as part of a deal to end countrywide anti-government protests that had left dozens of people dead.

The increasing cost of fuel and food makes it more difficult for people to make ends meet, even for those on a regular salary.

Police have listed the supply of rice as one of their demands from the government.

In much of West Africa, police supplement their incomes by extorting bribes at roadblocks.