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.
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.
Fishing on the Lempa River
Evangelina remembers her childhood days of fishing on the Lempa River.
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Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Fleeing Repression
Patricia describes the difficulty of deciding to leave their homes for the first time to avoid repression and violence after her husband and brother had been detained.
El Rincón Massacre
Isidora describes the massacre of six women at El Rincón.
Death of a Brother
Alberto narrates how his older brother, who was mentally ill, died during a military operation.
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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.
The “May Guinda”
Marta recounts how she and her family fled during the “May Guinda” and the hardships they faced.
The “May Guinda” as a Young Girl
Edith remembers experiencing the “May Guinda” as a young girl, including the difficulty of finding food and seeing wounded people all around her.
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.
Mesa Grande and Resettlement
Pedro describes his experience living in Mesa Grande, a refugee camp in Honduras, and shares his memories of resettling in Guarjila.
The Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Lucía describes how people were organized at the Mesa Grande refugee camp and why she finally decided to return home.
Life in the Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Isabel describes the difficulties of life in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
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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.
Recruitment of Minors
Marta remembers her recruitment by the guerrilla at age 14 and describes her work as a medical worker within the organization.
The First Guerrilla Units
Edwin describes his first experiences in armed political activity and how he was wounded during a large military operation led by the Salvadoran Armed Forces with the participation of Guatemalan forces.
Work in the Guerrilla Camps
Gregorio describes daily life in the guerrilla camps.
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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 Invasion of Arcatao
Marta narrates her experience of the 1986 invasion of Arcatao, at a time when she was pregnant, and how her husband was killed by the military.
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
Carlota remembers a grenade explosion in her home during the 1986 invasion and the threats to the civilian population inside the town church.
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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.
Message to Other Countries
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
Changes after the Peace Accords
Esperanza analyzes the changes she saw in El Salvador following 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.
A Message to the World
Eduardo calls out to all countries in the world with a message against war.
Importance of Exhumations
Berta relates how her youngest son died and describes her wish for his prompt exhumation.
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