Haitian Gang Leader Seeks UN Mediation Amid Clashes

Wilson Joseph, leader of Haiti's 400 Mawozo gang, sent a two-page letter on Nov. 1 to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres requesting a delegation for dialogue and mediation. He confirmed the request in his first major international media interview with AP on Nov. 2. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed receipt and said it does not endorse the letter's contents, recognize its author, or reflect a U.N. position. Joseph wrote that given Nayib Bukele's vengeful remarks and threats, he fears escalation and reprisals that would first harm Haitian civilians. Bukele deployed more than 2,000 Salvadoran troops after four aviation technicians went missing Oct. 18 in Plaine du Cul-de-Sac. Joseph claimed without evidence they were killed in Chen Mechan gang territory. Haiti's government says they were abducted; El Salvador believes they are alive. Clashes have intensified there between armed groups and Haitian forces backed by an international gang-suppression mission and Vectus Global. The U.N. reported more than 5,700 killed or injured in Haiti from January to mid-September. Joseph said dialogue must prevail over force and that civilian protection must be central. The U.S. offers $1 million for his capture; he was indicted in 2022 on hostage-taking charges.