Causes of the War
Obdulio connects the origins of the war to the injustices that the Salvadoran government put its people through.
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 for Organizing
Margarita shares her views on the inequality, poverty, and exclusion that led rural Salvadorans to organize.
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.
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Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
El Rincón Massacre
Isidora describes the massacre of six women at El Rincón.
Detention in 1977
Víctor describes his detention in 1977 on his way back home from a meeting.
Paramilitaries
Celestino explains that the paramilitaries were the harshest forces during the war.
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Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
During the 1980s, thousands of people were displaced from their homes by violence in rural El Salvador.
Surviving the May “Guinda”
Juana describes the hardships involved in the guinda, during which finding food was a challenge.
Disappeared children
Hermelinda remembers losing her children during the “May Guinda,” and says she always wondered whether the military had taken them away.
The Massacre of La Quesera
Damián describes the massacre of La Quesera, in San Vicente province.
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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.”
Conditions of the La Virtud Refugee Camp
Maximina describes the harsh conditions experienced in the refugee camp at La Virtud, Honduras.
Husband’s Capture
Dionisia describes how her husband never made it to the refugee camp Mesa Grande in Honduras, as he was captured and assassinated.
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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.
Death of a Son
Trinidad tells how she was informed of son’s death in the guerrilla, and she describes a back injury that she suffered due to a mortar explosion.
Role in the Guerrilla
Maximina explains her sister’s and her role in the guerrilla during the armed conflict.
Tortured in Honduras
Edwin describes his detention and torture in Honduras.
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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.
The “Desembarco”: Intervention of journalists
Evangelina describes the 1986 “Desembarco” invasion and massacre in Arcatao, and explains how the intervention of foreign journalists prevented killings of greater magnitude.
Resettlement and Dangers of Landmines
Emeteria describes the process of resettlement in Guarjila, Chalatenango, and the dangers returnees faced due to landmines.
The 1986 Invasion: Interrogation of Women & Children
Esperanza describes the 1986 invasion in Arcatao, and relates how children were interrogated by the military.
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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.
Importance of Historical Memory
Trinidad explains why historical memory is so important to avoiding the repetition of history.
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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.
The Importance of Exhumations
Isabel reflects on the importance of exhuming the remains of civil war victims.
A Message to the World
Eduardo calls out to all countries in the world with a message against war.
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