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The trio are seen on the rooftops of Nouakchott's sand-coloured buildings and in restaurants around the city - a luxury other migrants couldn't afford.

The incident took place near the capital city of Nouakchott, where a rescue operation is still underway to recover people.

He had been on trial in the capital, Nouakchott, since January, alongside 10 other prominent figures, including two former prime ministers and former ministers who served in his administration.

Vanuatu, in the south-central Pacific; Nacala, Mozambique; and Nouakchott, Mauritania, are also potential Chinese navy bases.

Earlier this week, the four inmates escaped the central prison in Mauritania's capital, Nouakchott, during a breakout in which two soldiers were killed by gunfire, according to the interior ministry.