Haiti: 400 Mawozo leader requests UN mediation

Haiti is facing a new episode of tension after Wilson Joseph, known as “Lanmò San Jou” and identified as the leader of the criminal gang 400 Mawozo, requested the mediation of the United Nations (UN) to open negotiations with the international forces operating in the country.

The request is contained in a letter dated November 1, 2026, and addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, amidst operations against gangs and the deployment of Salvadoran military personnel.

The document, released with the 400 Mawozo letterhead, contains the name and a signature attributed to Joseph. However, its authenticity has not been independently confirmed.

Haiti: gang leader requests dialogue with international forces

In the communication, Joseph asserts that since last August 20th, he had raised a white flag as a sign of his willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Likewise, it requests that the United Nations send a delegation to facilitate talks between its organization and the international forces deployed in Haitian territory.

The criminal leader suggests that a diplomatic intervention could avoid further clashes and reduce the consequences of military operations on the civilian population.

However, as of now, it has not been confirmed that the UN has formally received the letter or that there is any negotiation process with the criminal organization.

Offensive questioned led by Nayib Bukele

The communication also contains questions for the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, regarding his statements about possible reprisals against Haitian gangs.

Joseph warns that an intensification of military actions could trigger new episodes of violence, with consequences for the inhabitants of the affected communities.

The request comes after the announcement of the deployment of more than 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers to reinforce operations against armed organizations and locate four soldiers from that country reported missing.

The soldiers reportedly disappeared after an ambush that occurred on October 18, an episode that increased tension surrounding international operations in Haiti.

Letter mentions clashes and alleged civilian casualties

The document refers to clashes recorded in the Cul-de-Sac plain, especially in areas linked to the Chen Mechan organization, led by Claudy Célestin.

Alleged civilian victims during the operations are also reported, including an eight-year-old girl who, according to the letter, was allegedly shot in the head.

These claims have not been corroborated by independent sources, so it is not possible to establish the circumstances of the reported events.

Wilson Joseph listed on UN sanctions list

Wilson Joseph has been included on the United Nations Security Council sanctions list since December 2023.

The measures are related to serious human rights violations and criminal activities attributed to the 400 Mawozo organization, including murders, kidnappings, and attacks against civilians.

The gang has been implicated in various violent acts that have contributed to the deterioration of security in Haiti.

The mediation request comes as the country continues to face a deep security crisis, characterized by territorial control by armed groups, population displacement, and clashes with security forces.

For now, both the authenticity of the letter and the existence of an official response from the United Nations remain unconfirmed.