Wilson Joseph says he fears the Salvadoran deployment could trigger reprisals, as clashes intensify around Port-au-Prince.
By The Haitian Tribune Staff
November 2, 2026
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Wilson Joseph, the leader of the 400 Mawozo gang known as Lanmò Sanjou, has asked the United Nations to send a delegation to Haiti to support dialogue and mediation, according to a letter received by the organization.
Joseph’s appeal comes amid rising concern that El Salvador’s deployment of more than 2,000 troops could deepen violence. The troops were sent after four Salvadoran aviation technicians went missing following an attack in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac on Oct. 18. Haiti’s government says the technicians were abducted. No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack. (apnews.com, reuters.com)
In the letter, Joseph described his organization as a “rebel group” and warned that statements by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele could lead to retaliation. He said civilians, including children and vulnerable families, would be most at risk if the situation escalated.
Joseph also cited concern about recent events in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, where the Chèn Méchan gang operates. He said he was willing to meet with a U.N. delegation and take part in discussions aimed at reaching a peaceful agreement and stabilizing the country.
The request follows reports of intensified clashes between armed groups and Haitian security forces, supported by international personnel and private security firm Vectus Global. More than 5,700 people were killed or injured in Haiti from January through mid-September, according to figures cited by the United Nations.
ANALYSIS | A CALL FOR TALKS FROM A GANG LEADER
Joseph’s appeal places the U.N. in a difficult position. Mediation could help reduce immediate danger to civilians, but a request from a powerful gang leader does not establish that he represents the wider population or is prepared to end violence. Any talks would need to be judged by concrete actions, including protection of civilians and a verifiable reduction in armed activity.
The Salvadoran deployment adds another layer of uncertainty. Its stated purpose is to help locate the missing technicians, but the arrival of a large foreign force alongside Haitian and international security personnel raises questions about coordination, authority and the risk of further confrontation.
For residents of Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, the urgent concern is whether fighting will spread and whether civilians can safely leave or remain in their communities. A U.N. delegation, if sent, would face pressure to balance humanitarian protection with the need to avoid granting armed groups political legitimacy.
The Haitian Tribune Newsroom
