Togo: Government closes all primary and secondary schools amid str

LOME, Togo – The Togolese government closed all public and private primary and secondary schools in the capital, Lome, following protests that rocked the tiny West Africa nation's education system last week.

Schools were closed in Lome Monday, following a government announcement.

Last week thousands of students marched in Lome's streets to demand better conditions for their teachers who have been on strike for a week. The government said the protesters damaged property and there was a danger of further violence.

The government statement did not say when schools would be reopened but said it is holding talks with teachers' trade unions.

One teacher, Dana Lawson, said that closing down schools does not solve the problem but makes it worse.

Togo was also hit recently with a strike by health workers.