News reaching the desk of CEOAFRICA.com is that seven police have been killed in Tunisia by the Islamist militants in a renewed fight which happened few hours ago.

It was further gathered that two militants were also killed in the clash which took place at the central region of Sidi Bouzid.

The violence came as the Islamist-led government and opposition began talks to end months of political crisis triggered by the assassination of two secular opposition leaders earlier in the year.

Thousands of anti-government protesters marched through the capital, Tunis, calling on the prime minster to resign.

Parliament speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar said he expected PM Ali Larayedh to announce his intention to stand down.

A coalition led by the moderate Islamist Ennahda party was elected in 2011. Last month Ennahda agreed in principle to relinquish power, in an effort to end Tunisia's political deadlock.