Wilson Joseph, also known as "Lanmò San Jou", the leader of the notorious Haitian gang 400 Mawozo, has reached out to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, asking for an international delegation to mediate peace talks in Haiti. This request comes amid increasing violence following the deployment of Salvadoran troops searching for four missing military personnel.
The appeal was articulated in a two-page letter dated November 1, 2026, from Croix-des-Bouquets, and circulated by Haitian media outlets.
Joseph acknowledged the letter's authenticity to the Associated Press (AP), while the United Nations confirmed receipt but clarified that this does not equate to endorsing the sender or the content.
Call for Dialogue and Warnings to Bukele
In his letter, Joseph claims that since August 20, he has been open to negotiating a peaceful resolution to the Haitian crisis. He stated, "Since August 20, 2026, when I officially raised the white flag, I've expressed my commitment to a peaceful resolution of the national crisis, specifically through opening dialogue between international forces in Haiti and the 400 Mawozo group."
Joseph, portraying his organization as a "rebel group," voiced his concerns over military operations in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, particularly where the Chen Mechan gang, led by Claudy Celestin, operates.
He criticized statements by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who ordered the deployment of over 2,000 troops to find the missing Salvadoran aviation technicians after an October 18 attack in Croix-des-Bouquets.
"Given Mr. Nayib Bukele's statements, expectations, and threats of reprisal, I fear this situation could lead to an escalation of violence, with the Haitian population as the primary victim," Joseph stated in the letter.
The document highlights that civilians, including pregnant women and children, are being affected by the clashes. Joseph mentioned an incident involving an eight-year-old girl allegedly shot in the head, although independent verification is lacking.
"Our country, already deeply scarred by insecurity and poverty, needs dialogue, justice, and reconciliation, not more human losses," he declared, explicitly requesting "the dispatch of a UN delegation to Haiti to facilitate a dialogue and mediation process among the involved parties."
Joseph expressed his readiness to welcome the delegation and engage in meetings aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement, a dialogue agreement, and a lasting stabilization process.
"I remain convinced that the weapon of dialectics must prevail over that of arms. The protection of civilians, especially children and vulnerable families, must be at the core of any international initiative," the letter concludes.
Copies of the communication were also sent to the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
Joseph Claims the Salvadorans Are Dead Without Evidence
In discussions with the AP, Joseph asserted that the missing Salvadoran aviation technicians are dead, attributing the October 18 attack to the Chen Mechan gang's territory. However, he did not provide evidence to support this claim.
While the Haitian government maintains that the four Salvadorans were kidnapped, El Salvador's authorities believe they are still alive.
Joseph also expressed willingness to participate in peace talks and disarm, though he refrained from specifying conditions for such actions. He indicated to AP that he would address these matters in discussions with a peace commission.
The head of 400 Mawozo condemned drone attacks in security operations, claiming they result in civilian casualties, including children and the elderly. He dismissed accusations against his organization for murdering innocent Haitians.
The remarks came after Bukele denied that the Salvadoran military operation was an invasion, warning that his forces would act decisively to locate the missing individuals.
UN Confirms Letter But Does Not Recognize the Gang Leader
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric verified receipt of a letter signed by Joseph but clarified that its reception does not equate to endorsement of its contents, recognition of the author, nor an official UN stance on the request.
Dujarric expressed the UN's concern over the impact of violence on Haitian communities and emphasized the need for all security operations to comply with applicable international law.
Regarding the Salvadoran deployment, he specified that most troops are not operating within the UN-supported Gang Suppression Force (GSF), thus falling outside the mandate and reporting mechanisms related to that force.
According to UN data cited by AP, the violence in Haiti resulted in over 5,700 deaths or injuries from January to mid-September 2026.
Who is Lanmò San Jou, the FBI-Wanted Leader of 400 Mawozo?
Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmò San Jou, leads 400 Mawozo, a criminal gang with significant influence in Croix-des-Bouquets, near Port-au-Prince, associated with kidnappings, extortion, and arms trafficking.
The FBI lists him among the fugitives wanted for conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and hostage-taking.
The U.S. Department of State offers a reward of up to one million dollars for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
U.S. justice accuses him of involvement in the October 2021 kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti, including five minors. According to the FBI, most victims were held captive for 61 days as the gang demanded ransom payments.
Since December 2023, Joseph has been on the UN Security Council's sanctions list for his role, directly or through orders to his group members, in severe human rights abuses and other crimes.
The UN sanctions dossier documents 400 Mawozo's involvement in kidnappings, civilian attacks, sexual violence, recruitment of minors, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and weapons and ammunition trafficking.
Joseph's mediation request comes amid ongoing searches for the missing Salvadorans and clashes between security forces and armed groups in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac.
Frequently Asked Questions on Wilson Joseph and 400 Mawozo
Who is Wilson Joseph?
Wilson Joseph, also known as Lanmò San Jou, is the leader of the Haitian gang 400 Mawozo, involved in criminal activities such as kidnappings and arms trafficking.
Why is Wilson Joseph wanted by the FBI?
The FBI wants Wilson Joseph for conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and hostage-taking, linked to the abduction of 17 Christian missionaries in 2021.
What is the current situation in Haiti regarding violence?
Haiti is experiencing increased violence, with over 5,700 deaths or injuries reported from January to mid-September 2026, amid clashes between security forces and armed groups.