One of Haiti’s most powerful gangs, 400 Mawozo, announced Friday that it has reached out to a government agency responsible for dismantling armed groups. The gang stated its intention is to pursue “peace, stability and national reconciliation.”
In a three-page statement shared with The Associated Press, 400 Mawozo described its outreach as an “act of patriotic responsibility to preserve human lives,” emphasizing that “dialogue is not a capitulation.” The gang, which has been accused by the United Nations and human rights groups of rape, murder, and kidnapping—accusations it denies—also indicated plans to participate in a peaceful demonstration later this month to lay the groundwork for national dialogue.
Haiti’s National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration confirmed that an individual contacted them on behalf of the armed group. The commission stated that any dialogue with armed groups must follow the government’s proposed roadmap.
The announcement comes as Haitian police and foreign forces continue to confront gangs. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced on X that one gang leader was killed, identified by a local human rights group as Mathias, the leader of the Nan Boston gang based in the Cité Soleil slum.
A spokesperson for 400 Mawozo, speaking anonymously, confirmed the gang’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations and disarmament, calling it a process. The gang's stated demands in exchange for peace include an end to what it termed “international interference.”
The gang also expressed concern over social media posts allegedly targeting the home of its leader, Wilson Joseph, also known as Lanmò Sanjou. The gang urged all parties to respect international obligations regarding the protection of civilians and civilian property, referencing the Geneva Conventions and the UN Charter.
This development follows El Salvador's deployment of over 2,000 troops to Haiti after four Salvadoran aviation technicians were attacked and disappeared in gang territory on Oct. 18. The UN has noted that most Salvadoran personnel are operating outside the UN-backed gang suppression force.
400 Mawozo suggested that a suspension of military operations targeting specific areas would be beneficial pending the opening of dialogue, allowing for de-escalation, civilian protection, and the pursuit of a political solution.