Haitian Gang 400 Mawozo Proposes Peace Talks Amid Escalating Regional Violence

POLICY WIRE — Port-au-Prince, Haiti — One of the most influential criminal factions in Haiti announced Friday it has initiated contact with a government agency tasked with neutralizing armed groups, claiming a desire for national reconciliation, stability, and peace.

The 400 Mawozo gang issued a three-page communication to The Associated Press, asserting that engaging in dialogue is not a sign of surrender but rather a patriotic act of duty intended to safeguard human life.

While human rights organizations and the United Nations have accused 400 Mawozo of crimes including kidnapping, murder, and rape, the group has denied these allegations.

On November 1, gang leader Wilson Joseph told the AP that he had reached out to the U.N. secretary-general to request a delegation to Haiti for mediation and talks. He expressed concern that the arrival of Salvadoran troops might exacerbate the existing violence.

Labeling itself as a rebel organization, the gang announced intentions to hold a peaceful protest later this month to establish a foundation for a peace-building process and national dialogue.

The group stated that the future of the nation cannot be constructed solely through military operations and direct confrontations.

A representative from Haiti’s National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

This outreach occurs as Haitian police and international forces continue active engagements with various gangs. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé posted on X late Friday that a gang leader had been killed.

Thoughough the Prime Minister did not name the individual, an anonymous source confirmed the deceased was Mathias, the leader of the Nan Boston gang, which operates in the Port-au-Prince slum of Cité Soleil.

“The gangs won’t be getting any sleep! the Prime Minister stated on social media.

When questioned by the AP regarding whether 400 Mawozo is prepared to surrender its armamentslet, an anonymous spokesperson stated the group is open to peace talks but noted that disarmament is a gradual process.

When asked about the gang’s specific demands, the source identified peace and the cessation of what they termed international interference as their primary goals.

The announcement follows the deployment of more than 2,000 Salvadoran troops to Haiti weeks ago. This move occurred after four Salvadoran aviation technicians disappeared following an attack on October 18 in gang-controlled territory.

The United Nations noted that the majority of Salvadoran personnel are working independently of the U.N.-backed force meant to suppress gangs. That force coordinates with the Haitian military, police, and Vectus Global, a private security firm established by Erik Prince.

The gang expressed belief that it would be beneficial for relevant military forces to halt operations in specific areas while a dialogue regarding stability and peace is effectively opened.

The group wrote that the current moment offers a chance for de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the finding a permanent political resolution.

In the letter, 400 Mawozo voiced alarm over social media posts targeting the residence of Joseph—also known as Lanmò Sanjou—specifically citing comments allegedly made by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.

On Friday, Bukele responded to a post where he was tagged and which reportedly showed Joseph’s home, writing: Where is that house? Give us the exact address, and we’ll destroy it,\”

The gang characterized Joseph’s home as a symbol of peace within their proposed de-escalation efforts and urged all parties to adhere to international standards regarding the protection of civilian property and civilians.

The letter also cited specific sections of the Geneva Conventions and the Charter of the United Nations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)