The Origins of the War
Trinidad analyzes the causes that prompted the war.
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.
Causes of the War
Herlindo shares his view on the causes of the Salvadoran civil war and the general consequences that armed conflicts bring about.
Our Only Crime
Edwin explains how state respression of movements for change led to the decision to take up armed struggle.
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Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Founding a Development Organization
Obdulio explains his role in founding the CCR (Association of Communities for the Development of Chalatenango).
Repression
Isidora describes the repression that led her and her family to leave their home.
Torture
Víctor describes being detained along with 18 other people and explains how they were tortured.
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.
Military Cooperation
Santiago describes cooperation between Honduran, Guatemalan, and Salvadoran military forces.
The May “Guinda”: Crossing the Sumpul River
Juana relates her difficult experience during the May Guinda, attempting to cross the Sumpul River with her four children.
What is a “Guinda”?
Hermelinda explains the meaning of the term “guinda”.
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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.”
Life in the Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Isabel describes the difficulties of life in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
Migrating to Honduras
Edith describes living without shelter near the Honduran border and her family’s separation.
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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.
Work of a Healthcare Worker
Margarita describes her work as a nurse in the Rama Caida camp.
Tortured in Honduras
Edwin describes his detention and torture in Honduras.
The “Final Offensive”
Celestino tells the history of military repression and the early phase of armed resistance in Chalatenango leading up to the “Final Offensive” of 1981.
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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 1986 “Desembarco” Invasion
Toribio remembers the 1986 invasion of Arcatao, known as the “Desembarco”, and how he and his family fled town to hide in a cave.
The “El Carreño” Operation
Jorge describes his capture during the “El Carreño” operation in 1986.
Return to Arcatao
Damián describes the resettlement process beginning in 1987, during which communal cooperation was an important element.
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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.
Importance of Historical Memory
Trinidad explains why historical memory is so important to avoiding the repetition of history.
Negotiating the Peace Accords
Celestino remembers the process that led to the Peace Accords and why it was difficult for the guerrillas to agree to give up their arms.
The Peace Accords
Walter explains that combat between government forces and the guerrillas intensified during the negotiation of the Peace Accords.
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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.
Changing the System
Rosa explains her philosophy of struggle for social change.
A Message to the World
Eduardo calls out to all countries in the world with a message against war.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice