Tunisia crisis | Maltese citizens urged to be cautious, stay indoors as new clashes erupt

Security forces used a water cannon, fired tear gas and fired live rounds, as thousands took to the streets again, demanding the resignation of all the current regime.

Maltese embassy personnel have been incessant in contacting all Maltese nationals currently in Tunisia, ensuring they are ok and urging them to stay indoors and not to venture outside unnecessarily.

The country’s  Prime Minister was preparing to announce a coalition government following the fall of president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in the face of weeks of violent unrest, but the renewed protests suggested the new line-up might not be popular.

About a thousand people gathered in the capital's main road in a demonstration against the ruling RCD party, chanting: "Out with the RCD!" and "Out with the party of the dictatorship!"

Ben Ali's fall on Friday sent shockwaves through the Arab world, where autocratic leaders preside over similarly repressive governments.

Overnight, shooting could be heard in parts of the city, following clashes between Tunisian special forces and members of the former president's security detail.

Tanks and soldiers were stationed on the streets of Tunis.

Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi promised rapid action to rebuild the government after Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia amid a street revolt against unemployment, corruption, poverty and repression in which at least 100 people died.

He pledged to announce a "new government which will open a new page in the history of Tunisia."

Speaking on state television late yesterday evening, he said, "I call on Tunisians to remain calm. These are difficult moments we are going through. The military and security forces are in the process of ensuring people's security.

"We are making great efforts for our beloved Tunisia. We ask the people, the residents to continue their support. It is a pleasure to see people like this, all united behind one goal, and everything will be fine, God willing, in the days to come."

But the presence of members of the old government in the coalition did not find favour on the streets.

Three opposition leaders would take posts in the new coalition, two sources close to negotiations on building the new government told Reuters. But the interior and foreign ministers in the old administration will keep their jobs.