Haitian Gang Leader Says He’s “Raised the White Flag”, Asks UN to Mediate
One of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders says he is ready to talk and lay down his guns and has asked the United Nations to send a delegation to mediate as fighting around Port-au-Prince intensifies.
Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmò Sanjou and leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that he sent the U.N. Secretary General a two-page letter dated November 1. In it, he says he has “officially raised the white flag” since August 20 and is “officially available” to receive a delegation.
“I remain convinced that dialogue must prevail over force.”
Joseph says he fears Salvadoran troops could make things worse. El Salvador sent about 2,000 soldiers to Haiti after four of its aviation technicians went missing on October 18 in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac.
“Given Mr Nayib Bukele’s vengeful remarks, expectations, and threats, I fear this situation will lead to an escalation of violence and a logic of reprisals, of which the Haitian people would be the first victims.”
Joseph told the AP the four technicians are dead and that the attack happened in territory controlled by a rival gang, Chen Mechan. He offered no evidence. Haiti’s government says the men were abducted, and El Salvador believes they are alive.
Clashes have intensified since a U.N.-backed gang-suppression force, working with Haitian police and soldiers and the private security firm Vectus Global, began operations in the area after the attack. Vectus Global was founded by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince. Joseph accused forces of killing children and elderly people in drone strikes. He said he does not object to gang members being arrested.
He declined to say what he wants in return for laying down his arms, saying he would raise that with a peace commission. He also rejected accusations that 400 Mawozo has killed innocent Haitians.
The U.N. confirmed receiving a letter bearing Joseph’s signature. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the receipt “does not constitute endorsement of its contents, recognition of its author, or a position by the United Nations.” He added that most Salvadoran personnel are not part of the U.N.-backed force and fall outside its mandate.
400 Mawozo operates largely in Croix-des-Bouquets and is known for kidnappings, including the abduction of 17 missionaries in October 2021, 16 from the U.S. and one from Canada. All were eventually released. The U.S. has offered a $1 million reward for Joseph, who was indicted there in 2022 on hostage-taking charges.
More than 5,700 people were killed or injured across Haiti from January to mid-September, according to the U.N.
