By Zoila Palma: Haiti’s powerful 400 Mawozo gang says it has reached out to the country’s National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration to pursue dialogue and peace negotiations.
In a three-page statement sent to The Associated Press on Friday, the gang called for “peace, stability and national reconciliation,” arguing that dialogue should not be viewed as surrender but as an effort to save lives.
The gang also announced plans to participate in a peaceful demonstration later this month to help lay the groundwork for national dialogue.
It called for relevant military forces to suspend operations in certain areas while negotiations are pursued, saying a pause could help protect civilians and create an opportunity for a lasting political solution. However, the commission confirmed that an individual had contacted it on behalf of the armed group and stressed that any dialogue must follow the roadmap established by the Haitian government.
The outreach comes as Haitian police and foreign forces continue operations against armed groups.
In addition, 400 Mawozo said it was concerned about social media threats directed at the home of its leader, Wilson Joseph, widely known as Lanmò Sanjou.
The gang pointed to comments attributed to El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who responded to a post allegedly showing Joseph’s home by writing, “Where is that house? Give us the exact address, and we’ll destroy it.”
The gang described the property as a symbol of peace within its proposed de-escalation process and called for civilian homes and property to be protected.
The gang’s appeal comes weeks after El Salvador deployed more than 2,000 troops to Haiti following an attack on Salvadoran aviation technicians.
The post International News: Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang calls for peace talks as security forces intensify crackdown appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Haiti’s powerful 400 Mawozo gang says it has reached out to the country’s National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration to pursue dialogue and peace negotiations. In a three-page statement sent to The Associated Press on Friday, the gang called for “peace, stability and national reconciliation,” arguing that dialogue should not be
The post International News: Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang calls for peace talks as security forces intensify crackdown appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.