SUMMARY

The rivalry between 400 Mawozo and Kraze Baryè started as they fought against each other for territorial expansion, particularly in Haiti’s commune of Croix-des-Bouquets.

While 400 Mawozo had a strong presence in Croix-des-Bouquets and other adjacent areas, Kraze Baryè controlled different neighborhoods within the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. Formerly allied, the two gangs got involved in a violent conflict over territory in October 2022. The competition for the territories they controlled led to violent clashes involving the use of heavy gunfire as each gang attempted to assert dominance over the other and expand their influence. The rivalry was also fueled by competition over various criminal enterprises as both gangs were involved in activities such as kidnapping for ransom, extortion, drug trafficking, and robbery. These illegal activities and their lucrative nature meant that control over certain areas could significantly impact a gang's power and resources. Conflicts arose as each group tried to monopolize these criminal opportunities.

The non-state conflict between 400 Mawozo and Kraze Barye was first included in UCDP data in 2022. In October of that year, violent clashes flared up in the town of Noailles in Croix-des-Bouquets, resulting in over 25 battle-related deaths.