Haitian Police Force Launches Operation Against 400 Mawozo Gang During Carnival Period

The Haitian National Police (HNP), bolstered by international support from a multinational mission, launched a decisive operation in Croix-des-Bouquets over the weekend of February 8, 2025, targeting a carnival orchestrated by the notorious 400 Mawozo gang. This intervention came after days of escalating tension fueled by social media videos showcasing the gang’s elaborate preparations for the unauthorized festivities, led by their infamous leader, Lanmò San Jou. The gang’s audacious public display of power and control over the area necessitated a swift and forceful response from authorities to restore order and dismantle the gang’s stronghold within the community. The operation aimed to disrupt the gang’s activities, reclaim control of Croix-des-Bouquets, and send a clear message that such flagrant disregard for the rule of law would not be tolerated.

The operation in Croix-des-Bouquets unfolded as a tense confrontation between law enforcement and the entrenched 400 Mawozo gang. The gang members, anticipating the police intervention, had erected barricades throughout the streets, transforming the area into a fortified stronghold. As the police advanced, they were met with fierce resistance, engaging in intense gun battles with the heavily armed gang members. The streets of Croix-des-Bouquets became a battleground, highlighting the significant security challenges facing Haiti and the deeply rooted influence of criminal organizations like the 400 Mawozo gang. The operation underscored the volatile security situation in the region and the urgent need for effective strategies to combat gang violence and restore stability.

Despite the formidable resistance, the combined forces of the HNP and the multinational mission managed to overcome the barricades and penetrate the gang’s base of operations. The successful breach marked a critical turning point in the operation, allowing law enforcement to dismantle the infrastructure supporting the gang’s planned carnival. The destruction of the carnival installations represented a symbolic victory against the gang’s attempt to assert control and influence through public displays of power. It also disrupted their planned festivities, which were likely intended to bolster their image and recruit new members.

The HNP’s actions included the destruction of all carnival-related infrastructure and the seizure of a generator, a crucial piece of equipment used to power the event. This targeted dismantling of the carnival setup not only disrupted the immediate event but also aimed to cripple the gang’s ability to organize similar events in the future. By confiscating the generator, the police struck a blow against the gang’s logistical capabilities, further hindering their operations and sending a clear message of zero tolerance for their activities. The operation demonstrated a commitment to dismantling the gang’s operational capacity and disrupting their ability to project power and influence within the community.

In the aftermath of the operation, the Haitian National Police released a public statement acknowledging the successful disruption of the gang-led carnival and the dismantling of their stronghold in Croix-des-Bouquets. However, the statement was notably vague regarding the specifics of the operation’s outcome. It did not disclose whether any gang members were arrested or killed during the confrontation. This lack of specific information leaves open questions about the immediate impact of the operation on the 400 Mawozo gang’s leadership and operational capacity. It also raises concerns about potential casualties and the overall effectiveness of the operation in achieving its long-term objectives.

The operation in Croix-des-Bouquets highlights the complex and challenging security landscape in Haiti. The 400 Mawozo gang’s bold attempt to hold a public carnival underscored the extent of their influence and control within the region. The fact that such an event could be planned and advertised openly demonstrates the significant challenges facing Haitian authorities in their efforts to combat gang violence and restore order. The HNP’s intervention, supported by the multinational mission, represents a crucial step in addressing this pervasive issue. However, the lack of specific details about the operation’s outcome and the persistent security challenges in the region underscore the need for sustained and comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of gang violence and build a more secure and stable future for Haiti.