Exams start in Mali next Monday, but nothing is certain.

The teachers' unions have not lifted their boycott.

On Thursday, the Malian Minister of Labour met with the trade unionists to try to defuse the crisis, but there was no solution.

The teachers remain firm. Once again, they have called on the government to increase their salaries as it has done for other public servants.

Otherwise, they will stay away from the exams that start on Monday.

Ousmane Almoudou Touré is one of the leaders of the teachers' unions in Mali.

He looks back on the meeting with the Minister of Labour.