{
  "id": 18608868,
  "title": "Powerful Haitian gang reaches out to state disarmament group as gunfights persist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/powerful-haitian-gang-reaches-out-to-state-disarmament-group-as",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T01:10:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/11/06/powerful-haitian-gang-reaches-out-to-state-disarmament-group-as-gunfights-persist"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "One of Haiti’s most formidable criminal organizations, the 400 Mawozo gang, contacted a government agency dedicated to eliminating armed gangs in an effort toward \"peace, stability and national reconciliation\", according to a statement sent to The Associated Press on Friday. The gang emphasized that \"dialogue is not a capitulation,\" but rather a \"patriotic responsibility to preserve human lives.\" Despite being accused of committing atrocities such as rape, murder, and kidnapping by the UN and human rights groups, 400 Mawozo denies these allegations. The gang's leader, Wilson Joseph, had previously reached out to the UN secretary-general, requesting a delegation to Haiti to mediate amid concerns that Salvadoran troops' presence could exacerbate violence. The gang expressed intent to participate in a peaceful demonstration to pave the way for national dialogue and peace negotiations. The National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration acknowledged that they received a contact from the armed group, but stressed that dialogue should follow the roadmap proposed by the government. As Haitian police and foreign forces continue to confront the gangs, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced on X that a gang leader was killed, although the identity was not disclosed. A local human rights group confirmed the death was of Nan Boston gang leader Mathias. The AP inquired if 400 Mawozo is open to disarming, to which a spokesperson for the gang responded that they are willing to engage in peace negotiations and seek disarmament; they seek peace and an end to what they termed \"international interference.\" This announcement follows El Salvador's deployment of more than 2,000 troops to Haiti following the Oct. 18 attack on four Salvadoran aviation technicians, who were killed while operating in gang territory. The UN noted that the majority of Salvadoran personnel in Haiti are operating outside the UN-backed gang suppression force, alongside Haiti's police, military, and Vectus Global, the private security firm founded by former Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince. The gang suggested that a pause in military operations, aimed at protecting civilians and seeking a lasting political solution, would be beneficial. The gang expressed concern over social media posts targeting Joseph's residence, urging all parties to respect international obligations regarding the protection of civilians and civilian property.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "400 Mawozo gang contacted government disarmament agency for peace efforts",
    "Gang leader Wilson Joseph denied atrocities, called dialogue patriotic responsibility",
    "Prime Minister announced gang leader Mathias killed, but identity not disclosed"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}