Haiti Crisis: Gang Leader Signals Willingness To Negotiate With U.N.

Wilson Joseph, the leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that he has formally requested the U.N. intervene to mediate between armed groups and foreign forces in Haiti. Joseph, known by the nickname Lanmò Sanjou, stated he wrote directly to the U.N. Secretary General on Nov. 1 to propose a dialogue. This move comes as Salvadoran troops increase their presence in the country following the Oct. 18 disappearance of four aviation technicians.

The gang leader claimed the four Salvadoran technicians are dead. He told the AP that the attack occurred while the men were within the territory of a rival gang, Chen Mechan. Joseph did not provide evidence for his claim, which contradicts the position of both the Haitian and Salvadoran governments. Haiti’s government maintains the technicians were abducted, while El Salvador believes they are still alive.

Joseph criticized the current military campaign, saying drone attacks are killing civilians, including children and the elderly. He noted that clashes have intensified since a U.N.-backed force, working with Haitian police and the private security firm Vectus Global, began operations in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac. He accused local politicians of arming gangs and then bringing in foreign troops to destroy them. He told AP that the same politicians who created the gangs now want to stop them, but do not want the conflict to end.

In his letter, Joseph expressed fear that President Nayib Bukele’s comments and threats would lead to further violence and reprisals against the Haitian people. He stated that the 400 Mawozo group has 'officially raised the white flag' since Aug. 20. Joseph said he is ready to lay down guns and join a peace commission, though he declined to specify his demands until he sits down with mediators. He rejected accusations that his group kills innocent civilians, calling those claims false.

The 400 Mawozo gang operates primarily in Croix-des-Bouquets, a community near Port-au-Prince. A spokesperson for the gang accused the government of abandoning the area, which is why Joseph took charge. The group is known for kidnappings, including the October 2021 capture of 17 missionaries, 16 from the U.S. and one from Canada. All were eventually released. The spokesperson described the 2021 incident as a 'justice' measure rather than a kidnapping, citing sexual abuse charges against a former missionary.

According to U.N. data, more than 5,700 people have been killed or injured in Haiti from January to mid-September. Joseph is currently facing a $1 million reward from the U.S. government. He was indicted in the U.S. in 2022 on charges of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and hostage taking. His spokesperson denied the group is a terrorist organization, arguing that young people lacking education are being used by politicians and killed by forces.

Joseph said he remains convinced that dialogue must prevail over force. He wrote that the protection of civilians, particularly children and vulnerable families, must be central to any international initiative. He described himself as 'officially available' to receive the U.N. delegation he requested. He pledged to participate in any meeting aimed at finding a peaceful solution and a sustainable stabilization process.