Mass break-out from Niger jail

Some 900 prisoners escaped from a prison in Niger's capital yesterday, under the noses of troops surrounding the jail, Reuter reports from Niamey.

A witness said the prisoners, who had been blocking the release of 20 Tuareg nomads, rioted when soldiers ringed the jail and prepared to free the Tuaregs. The prisoners forced open the gates and streamed past the troops who, awaiting orders, just watched.