The strike resumed on February 12, with demonstrations across the nation and the military out in force. Conté declared martial law on the same day, which he said would remain in effect until February 23. On February 13, with a curfew in force for all but four hours of the day (4 to 8 pm), Conakry was reported to be largely under control, although some gunfire was still heard in the city. Army chief of staff Gen. Kerfala Camara announced late in the same day that the curfew hours would be changed so that the period from noon to 6 pm would be exempt from curfew. Gen. Camara said on February 16 that martial law would continue until the unions agreed to call off the strike, but the unions have refused to enter talks until martial law is lifted. On February 18, Gen. Camara said that the curfew would be reduced further so that it would cover the period from 6 pm to 6 am, thus adding six hours to the portion of the day exempt from it, beginning on February 19. On February 19, negotiation resumed between Government representative and Unions through religious leaders. However, the Union have said they will not participate to current negotiation until the martial law is lifted. On Friday afternoon at the Palais du Peuple, Guineenews reported that Abdoulaye Bah, the General Secretary of one of the Union (the UTDG) said the meeting has been postponed as they religious leadership is briefing the government and the army about the meeting they had with the Union the day before.