One of Haiti’s most powerful gangs says it has reached out to a state agency responsible for dismantling armed gangs in a push for “peace, stability and national reconciliation.” In a three-page statement sent to The Associated Press on Friday, the 400 Mawozo gang stresses that “dialogue is not a capitulation,” but rather an act “to preserve human lives.” The gang says it plans to participate in a peaceful demonstration later this month “to lay the groundwork for a national dialogue and peace negotiation process.” An official with Haiti’s National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

An official in Tigray’s new federal-backed administration has urged rebel fighters to lay down their weapons. This comes after a rebel commander called for continued resistance despite losing the northern Ethiopian region’s capital. Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle on October 4 after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front withdrew. Redae Halefom Woldeselassie, a caretaker administration official, says rebel forces are collapsing and urges fighters to reintegrate. But hours earlier, a rebel commander pledged to reverse recent military setbacks. The renewed fighting has shattered the Pretoria agreement, which ended the region's devastating 2020-2022 war.

Ethiopia's government has set up a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray following renewed fighting in the region. Hundreds of former combatants meanwhile have registered for a program to help them return to civilian life. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said Friday that the new administration will restore public services, help displaced people return and prepare for elections within six months under federal oversight. The announcement follows the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front from Mekelle and the entry of government-allied fighters into the regional capital on Oct. 4. Renewed fighting in the northern region in recent weeks has effectively shattered a 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war.