Tunisia President Steps Down, PM to Take Over

President Possibly Flees Country

TUNIS, TUNISIA— The Prime Minister announced Friday that he will take over the country for the President after reports that he has left the country.

President Zine Al-Abedine Ben Ali stepped down Friday after 23 years in office after declaring a state of emergency.

Violent riots prompted the president of the north-African country to renounce his post. Unemployment and allegations of a corrupted government led to weeks of protests that have left at least 23 people dead.

Above compiled by Local 4 News and its affiliates