Since June 1, 2021, when Martissant—a neighborhood at the exit of Port-au-Prince—fell into the hands of gangs, toll stations have proliferated along the few remaining operational roads. To travel south or north of Port-au-Prince, one must pay up. Ultimately, it’s the passengers who bear the cost, as drivers adjust their fares to cover the steep tolls demanded by armed gangs.

To avoid toll stations, new routes are constantly being explored. For travel to the South, those wishing to avoid routes controlled by armed gangs take alternative paths through Kenscoff, Séguin, Kay Jacques, or Ti Muska. Others still go through Martissant but, to bypass Gressier—taken over by gangs mid-year—travelers must detour through Morne Degan. To head north, National Highway #3 serves as an alternative, though it is both challenging and dangerous due to the obstacles posed by Morne Grand Gilles for drivers and passengers. Stories and testimonies published weekly in Le Nouvelliste by those who have taken these routes capture the full extent of the difficulties.