Haitian gang leader appeals to UN for dialogue as violence escalates

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 20:44 · Archive

A powerful Haitian gang leader has written to the UN Secretary General requesting dialogue and mediation.

Wilson Joseph, leader of the 400 Mawozo gang and known as Lanmò Sanjou, has written to the UN Secretary General requesting that the organization send a delegation to Haiti for dialogue and mediation. The letter was sent on Monday and received by the UN. It comes amid intensifying clashes between gangs and an international military force.

The appeal follows the attack on four Salvadoran aviation technicians on 18 October in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, where the technicians remain missing. The incident prompted El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele to deploy more than 2,000 troops to Haiti. Joseph expressed fears that the situation could escalate further, writing: '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.'

In his letter, Joseph described 400 Mawozo as a 'rebel group' and stated he was 'officially available' to receive the UN delegation. He offered to 'participate in any meeting aimed at finding a peaceful solution, a dialogue agreement, and a sustainable stabilization process.' He wrote that 'the protection of civilians, particularly children and vulnerable families, must be at the heart of any international initiative.'

How it is being reported

• Powerful Haitian gang leader writes UN seeking dialogue as clashes intensifyOne of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders has written the U.N. Secretary General and requested that the organization deploy a delegation to Haiti for dialogue and mediation as clashes between gangs and an international force intensify.Clickorlando · 2 Nov, 20:02
• Powerful Haitian gang leader writes UN seeking dialogue as clashes intensifyOne of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders has written the U.N. Secretary General and requested that the organization deploy a delegation to Haiti for dialogue and mediation as clashes between gangs and an international force intensify.News4Jax · 2 Nov, 20:02

In this story: Wilson Joseph · 400 Mawozo · Nayib Bukele · Haiti · El Salvador · United Nations · Plaine du Cul-de-Sac · Chen Mechan

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log