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.
Origins of the Conflict
Damián reflects on the social inequality and social demands that led to the civil war, as well as rural organizing and the founding of the Union of Field Workers (UTC) in 1975.
Lack of Access to Education
Adán remembers the financial hardship experienced by his family when he was a child and which kept him from attending school.
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Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Good Soldiers
Faustina remembers the daily exchanges with soldiers, which leads her to think they were not evil themselves but rather trained to do evil things.
Origins of Repression
Esperanza describes the repression that led many in Arcatao to leave their homes.
Disrespect for Human Rights by Armed Forces
Adán asserts that the Salvadoran Armed Forces did not respect human rights, mentioning the assassination of priests like Archbishop Romero.
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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”
Hermelinda remembers losing her children and three other close relatives during the “May Guinda.”
The “May Guinda”
Celestino remembers how he and his family survived during the “May Guinda” in 1982, when many died while attempting to cross the Sumpúl River.
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.
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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.
Returning to Arcatao
Virginia describes life at the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras, and her challenging trip back to Arcatao.
Migrating to Honduras
Edith describes living without shelter near the Honduran border and her family’s separation.
Choosing to Stay Behind
Berta explains her decision not to go to Honduras as a refugee, and the difficulties of living alone in El Salvador during wartime.
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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.
Hand Accident
Rufino explains that he lost his hand during a training exercise with the guerrilla, but continued to serve as a combatant and bodyguard.
Work of a Healthcare Worker
Margarita describes her work as a nurse in the Rama Caida camp.
Interrogation in Honduras
Edwin gives detailed testimony of his arrest and interrogation 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.
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: Interrogation of Women & Children
Esperanza describes the 1986 invasion in Arcatao, and relates how children were interrogated by the military.
Initial Resettlements
Celestino reflects on one of the most moving moments of his life – the resettlement of the community of San José Las Flores.
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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.
Message to Other Countries
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
Post-War Progress
Herlindo reflects that El Salvador has made progress following the war.
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.
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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.
Exhumations
Rosa comments on the importance of having the remains of her two grandmothers exhumed.
Achieving Justice
Edwin speaks of various means of achieving justice for survivors of the armed conflict.
Importance of Exhumations
Berta relates how her youngest son died and describes her wish for his prompt exhumation.
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