BBC News with David Austin

A night curfew is back in force in Tunisia after a day of unrest and confusion following the removal from power and flight into exile of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. More than 40 people lost their lives after riots and then a fire swept through a prison in the resort of Monastir. Other jails freed their prisoners after

disturbance

s broke out. Fires have also been burning out of control in the capital Tunis, from where Wyre Davies sent this report.

As darkness fell and a curfew again came into force, reports came from the city centre that at least two people had been shot by troops in the main square.

The Tunisian military, which had for so long supported the previous regime, will play a key role in determining the country's immediate future. Tanks were deployed on major roads and on street corners near key government buildings. And it's not yet clear how much power the army itself is willing to

relinquish

.

The speaker of parliament in Tunisia, Fouad Mebazaa, was earlier sworn in as interim president just a day after the prime minister had declared himself acting president. Mr Mebazaa has called for a national unity government, and a presidential election has been promised within 60 days. The exiled head of Tunisia's Islamist party, Rachid Ghannouchi, has said he'll return to the country within weeks and would be prepared to take part in any unity government.