The Soccer War
Clara recalls the Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras, and staying behind with her children while her husband slept somewhere in the mountains.
Testimony Archive
The Unfinished Sentences Testimony Archive is composed of oral histories shared by 48 people who were residents of the community of Arcatao, in the department of Chalatenango, El Salvador, during the period of the Salvadoran civil war. More than 170 interview excerpts tell the story of the civil war from the perspective of people who experienced it first-hand. Interviews were conducted during November 2013 through August 2014. The testimonies are organized into thematic “Chapters” that focus on different aspects of the conflict in roughly chronological order.
Due to the nature of the experiences discussed in the testimonies, users may find the contents of the archive disturbing: topics include rape, torture, death, and severe hardship. On the other hand, the archive also features narratives of resilience, survival, and mutual assistance in triumphing over adversity.
Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
El Salvador’s civil war has its roots in the deeply unequal social structures established during the 16th century Spanish colonization of Central America.
Reasons to Organize
Víctor reflects on the reasons that led people to organize.
Childhood
Edith describes her childhood and how household labor was divided among family members.
Explore all videos in Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Rural Organizing
Santiago lists some of the rural political organizations which were present in Chalatenango.
Persecution by the National Guard
Edwin relates how his family was persecuted by the National Guard, which led him and his younger brother to leave their school and home.
Organization and Repression
Élida describes the beginnings of social organization and protest, and relates an episode of violence that took place in her hamlet.
Explore all videos in Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
During the 1980s, thousands of people were displaced from their homes by violence in rural El Salvador.
The May “Guinda”
Rosa describes how the “May Guinda” of 1982 was the hardest guinda of all, and how during those 27 days her brother and other relatives died.
22 Days of Hunger
Rosa describes a span of 22 days during the war during which she and her mom had no food to eat.
The “May Guinda”: The Sumpul River Massacre
Berta describes her experience during the “May Guinda” and a massacre of civilians during the crossing of the Sumpul River.
Explore all videos in Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Faced with overwhelming violence, displaced populations faced difficult decisions about whether to leave El Salvador, and when to return. Some people sought safety elsewhere within the country.
Fleeing to Honduras
Rufino remembers when his family decided to flee towards a refugee camp in Honduras during a military operation called “El Carreño.”
Migrating to Honduras
Edith describes living without shelter near the Honduran border and her family’s separation.
Life in the Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Élida explains how people were organized inside the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras and describes her return to Arcatao.
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Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Salvadorans who supported the guerrilla groups had a wide range of reasons for doing so, and varied experiences in the movement.
Surviving Military Operations
Santiago describes his experience of multiple military operations, the “May Guinda,” and the disappearance of children.
Decision to Desert
Marta describes the difficulty of life as a guerrilla and her process of leaving the organization.
Arrested in Honduras
Edwin describes his role in transporting weapons for the guerrilla to and from Honduras and his arrest.
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Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Many Salvadorans returned from refugee camps in Honduras in the late 1980s, but faced continued repression upon their return. Refugees were stigmatized as guerrilla supporters.
Initial Resettlements
Lucía relates the challenges experienced as she and her family made the trip back home to San Antonio Los Ranchos after being refugees in Honduras.
The 1986 Invasion
Margarita describes a time during the 1986 invasion when she thought her husband had been killed.
The “El Carreño” Operation
Jorge describes his capture during the “El Carreño” operation in 1986.
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Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
El Salvador’s civil war officially ended in 1992, but the country continues to experience deep divisions and ongoing issues of inequality, insecurity, violence, and lack of access to justice.
Historical Memory
Santiago points out the importance of historical memory as a valuable legacy for future generations.
The Peace Accords
Trinidad explains the military did not fully abide by the Peace Accords during the resettlment process.
The Peace Accords and the “Silent War”
Reflecting on the Peace Accords, Evangelina sees connections between the violence of yesterday and today.
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Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice
Today, survivors of grave human rights violations committed during El Salvador’s civil war continue to struggle for truth and justice.
Reparations and the Struggle Against Impunity
Rosa explains her opinions on economic reparations and the need to struggle against impunity.
Historical Memory
Rosa reflects on the importance of historical memory.
Demanding Justice
Dionisa demands justice and accountability for those who committed crimes.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice