One of Haiti’s most powerful gangs, 400 Mawozo, announced on Friday that it has reached out to a government agency focused on dismantling armed groups in an effort to promote “peace, stability and national reconciliation.” The gang issued a three-page statement to the Associated Press, emphasizing that “dialogue is not a capitulation” but a “patriotic responsibility to preserve human lives.”
Despite allegations from the United Nations and human rights organizations accusing 400 Mawozo of serious crimes, including rape, murder, and kidnapping—which the gang denies—its leader, Wilson Joseph, previously requested a delegation from the UN to facilitate dialogue amid concerns that the presence of Salvadoran troops could exacerbate the violence. This letter was sent on Oct. 29.
As part of their initiative, 400 Mawozo stated plans to participate in a peaceful demonstration later this month aimed at establishing a foundation for national dialogue and negotiation. “Haiti’s future cannot be built solely on confrontations and military operations,” the statement read.
The National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration confirmed that they had been contacted on behalf of the gang. However, the commission noted that it operates under the government’s guidance. “For any dialogue with armed groups, we must follow the roadmap proposed by the government,” a representative stated.
The gang’s outreach comes as Haitian police, supported by foreign forces, continue operations against various gangs. On Friday, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime announced on X that a gang leader had been killed during these confrontations, but did not specify his identity. It was later confirmed that Mathias, a leader of the Boston gang operating out of Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince, was among those killed in a joint police operation. “The gangs won’t be getting any sleep!” the prime minister declared.
In the aftermath of this operation, police reported injuries and fatalities among gang members and encouraged civilians to surrender any illegal weapons to facilitate change in their lives.
A spokesperson for 400 Mawozo, speaking anonymously, indicated that while the gang is open to peace negotiations, disarmament should be approached as a process. When asked about their objectives in negotiations, the spokesperson mentioned a desire for peace and an end to what they see as “international interference.”
The gang’s announcement follows a recent deployment of over 2,000 Salvadoran troops to Haiti, which was prompted by the October 18 attack on four Salvadoran aviation technicians. Most Salvadoran personnel in Haiti reportedly operate outside the UN-supported gang suppression force and are working alongside Haitian police and military, with assistance from Vectus Global, a private security firm founded by Erik Prince.
In its message, the gang expressed that it would be “beneficial” for all military forces to suspend operations in targeted areas while dialogue on peace and stability is initiated. Additionally, they expressed concern over social media posts threatening Joseph’s home, described as “a symbol of peace” in their de-escalation process. They called for respect for international laws protecting civilians and civilian property, referencing specific articles from the Geneva Conventions and the UN Charter.
