Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country last night in a dramatic end to his 23 years in power following a wave of social protests.

In a solemn address on state television, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi announced that he had taken over as interim president.

'I call on Tunisians of all political persuasions and from all regions to demonstrate patriotism and unity,' he said.

Ghannouchi earlier said the government had been sacked and fresh elections would be held in six months.

Sources said Ben Ali had flown out from the main airport in Tunis but his final destination was not immediately clear.

Media reports said last night Ben Ali is heading to Qatar after France refused him entry.

In power since 1987, Ben Ali had earlier declared a state of emergency and said protesters would be shot in an increasingly violent confrontation that has sent shock waves across the Arab world.

Police had fired tear gas to disperse crowds in central Tunis demanding his immediate resignation. They were not satisfied with Ben Ali's promise on Thursday to step down in 2014.

Medical sources said 15 people died in overnight clashes in Tunis and the northeastern town of Ras Jebel.

Western countries urged their people to avoid travel to the popular tourist destination due to the instability.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama called for free and fair elections in Tunisia and praised the courage and dignity of its people after the toppling of Ben Ali.