Hundreds of residents continued to stream out of Abidjan's Abobo neighbourhood, the latest battle ground between Mr Gbagbo and presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara over a violently disputed election held in the Ivory Coast in November.
UN-certified results showed Mr Ouattara won that vote, but Mr Gbagbo has refused to concede. The conflict appears to be entering a new phase, as open street combat between pro-Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara forces flares up in Abidjan and fighting has spread to the west.
"Gun shots were echoing everywhere throughout the night and there was heavy arms fire. We haven't slept a wink," said resident Souala Tiemoko.
"This morning, the streets are thronging with people trying to get out. They are going to other neighbourhoods or villages."
A Reuters witness saw hundreds marching along the roadside leading out of Abobo, home to over a quarter of a million, carrying what belongings they could salvage. (read more)