Nigerien teachers start 48-hour strike

Nigerien teachers on Thursday began a 48-hour strike across the entire national territory over what their union, SYNACEB, said was the refusal by the government to satisfactorily respond to their demands.

SYNACEB coordinator Halidou Mounkaila said the work stoppage was being observed to force the government to, among other things, clear all outstanding teachers' salary arrears and allowances, recruit more teachers as well as ensuring justice and fairness in handling issues concerning teachers.

Xinhua observed that several public schools remained closed on Thursday morning in Niamey, Nigerien capital.

"If, after 48 hours the state does not respond, new measures will be taken to ensure our demands are met," Mounkaila warned.

On Wednesday, teachers planned to hold a protest in Niamey but were prevented by municipal authorities.

(APD)