PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — On Thursday, large numbers of residents escaped from Solino, one of the few areas in Haiti’s capital that had remained free from gang control, as violence flared dramatically this week amid escalating gang activity. Families urgently loaded their vehicles with mattresses and furniture, while others carried their belongings on their heads in a desperate search for safety. This mass exodus was triggered by fierce clashes between the police and a gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm, which had been engaged in violent confrontations over several days.

The recent spike in violence follows the dismissal of Haiti’s interim prime minister, which was sparked by political unrest and allegations of corruption involving members of a transitional council intended to help restore democracy in Haiti. The political instability has contributed to the country having no elections since 2016, primarily due to the overwhelming influence of gang violence.

Gangs, such as Viv Ansanm, frequently exploit periods of political disorder to extend their control, evidenced by the recent takeover attempts in Solino. Additionally, gang activities have severely impacted the nation’s primary airport, with armed members attacking aircraft and injuring a flight attendant earlier this week. Reports indicate that the United Nations has recorded 20 separate armed conflicts in Port-au-Prince in just one day, with an estimate stating that gangs exert control over approximately 85% of the city.

Since taking office on Monday, the new interim prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, has remained largely silent regarding the ongoing violence; however, he did express condemnation for the shootings at the airport in a statement released on Wednesday. His administration has instructed the police to re-establish order over the airport and the surrounding areas.

Social media footage has depicted rising smoke and heard gunfire echoing through the streets of Solino in recent days. Although it remains uncertain how many residents have fled the violence there, it appears that much of the neighborhood is being abandoned. According to residents, the motivating factor for fleeing was the fatal shooting of a local police officer known for opposing gang activities in the area. Although reported by local news, authorities have not been able to verify the officer’s death.

In October, the same gang coalition launched a violent incursion into Solino, resulting in arson and panic among residents, many of whom fled with what little possessions they could carry or called local radio stations, pleading for assistance.