|
Schoolkids riot in Mali
06/05/2008 21:52 - (SA)
Bamako - Several youths were injured and at least 20 arrested in Bamako, capital of the west African state of Mali, when high school students on strike clashed with others refusing to join their protest, school authorities said on Tuesday.
Violence erupted when hundreds of state school students striking for better class conditions on Monday disrupted private schools whose pupils had refused to join them.
"The state school students boycotting classes to get better conditions didn't like it when the private schools didn't join in their strike," said one private school headmaster, Moussa Sinayeko.
"There were several injuries and about 20 students were arrested for public order offences," said a police source.
Bicycles and scooters were stolen and shops looted in streets adjoining private schools, the source also reported.
A wave of dissatisfaction among students has disrupted classes in Mali schools for several months, with teachers demanding higher salaries and students demanding better class working conditions.
The education ministry has repeatedly said it is open to discussions, but insists it has only limited room for financial manoeuvre, with 30% of the national budget already earmarked for education.
|
News
