Haiti’s Powerful Gang Leader Seeks UN Dialogue as Clashes Escalate
SAN JUAN – Wilson Joseph, one of Haiti’s most influential gang leaders, has appealed to the U.N. secretary-general to send a delegation to Haiti for talks and mediation. His request comes amid concerns that Salvadoran troops deployed after four aviation technicians disappeared could further intensify the country’s violence.
Joseph, widely known as Lanmò Sanjou, leads the 400 Mawozo gang. He sent the letter Monday, and the U.N. has received it, according to a source who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. The letter refers to 400 Mawozo as a “rebel group” and was sent from Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, where the Salvadoran technicians were attacked Oct. 18 and remain missing.
The disappearance led Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to send more than 2,000 troops to Haiti.
“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 wrote.
He said developments in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac — particularly in areas controlled by the Chen Mechan gang — “are causing serious concern.”
Joseph said he was “officially available” to meet with the delegation he had “respectfully” requested. He also pledged to take part in any discussions focused on a peaceful settlement, a dialogue agreement and a lasting stabilization process.
“I remain convinced that dialogue must prevail over force,” he wrote. “The protection of civilians, particularly children and vulnerable families, must be at the heart of any international initiative.”
The U.N. estimates that more than 5,700 people were killed or injured across Haiti between January and mid-September. Fighting has escalated since a gang-suppression force began working with Haitian police and soldiers, along with Vectus Global, the private security company founded by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince. The force has been battling armed groups in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac near Port-au-Prince since the attack on the Salvadorans.
In the two-page letter, Joseph said he had “officially raised the white flag” on Aug. 20. He called for a “peaceful solution to the national crisis,” including direct talks between international forces operating in Haiti and 400 Mawozo.
The gang’s name roughly translates to “400 Simpletons.” It operates mainly in Croix-des-Bouquets, a community near Port-au-Prince, and has been linked to thousands of kidnappings. Among them was the October 2021 abduction of 17 missionaries — 16 Americans and one Canadian, including five children. All of the hostages were eventually freed.
The U.S. government has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Joseph’s capture. He has been indicted in the United States on charges related to conspiracy to commit hostage taking and hostage taking.
