Tunisian president flees

Turmoil has continued in Tunisia overnight after popular protests swept the president from power. Looters and gangs have exploited the security vacuum in the capital. Witnesses said the army was called in to try to restore calm. Tunisian president flees Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi is now the acting president. He says he will meet political parties today to try to form a coalition to take Tunisia to early elections. But he is closely linked to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali’s rule and it is unclear if his leadership will be accepted on the streets. Ben Ali has fled Tunis. Saudi Arabia says he and his family have arrived there. Zine el Abidine Ben Ali (Beta, file)

Tunisian president flees

Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi is now the acting president. He says he will meet political parties today to try to form a coalition to take Tunisia to early elections.

But he is closely linked to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali’s rule and it is unclear if his leadership will be accepted on the streets.

Ben Ali has fled Tunis. Saudi Arabia says he and his family have arrived there.