Heavy gunfire near Haiti’s National Palace in Port-au-Prince

Police officers patrol as Haiti remains in state of emergency due to the violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 9, 2024. REUTERS

Heavy gunfire was seen on Friday near Haiti’s national palace in its capital of Port-au-Prince, according to reports by news agency EFE, in the midst of political turmoil sparked by Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s absence.

Haiti entered a state of emergency last Sunday after fighting escalated, armed gangs broke inmates out of prison , and an estimated over ten thousand people were displaced while Henry was in Kenya seeking a deal for an international force to fight Haiti’s gangs.

READ: Haiti healthcare near collapse, says UN, as state of emergency extended

The United States earlier this week called on Haiti’s prime minister to expedite a political transition as armed gangs seek his ouster.

READ: Haiti ex-coup leader Guy Philippe demands PM resign, wants presidency

Henry, Haiti’s unelected interim leader, landed in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico on Tuesday.