20th Anniversary of the Peace Accords in El Salvador

I'd like to introduce you all to Christine J. Wade. Christine is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies at Washington College as well as a good friend. Among other publications, Christine is a co-author of Understanding Central America: Global Forces, Rebellion and Change (Westview Press, 2009) and Nicaragua: Living in the Shadow of the Eagle (Westview Press, 2011). 

Here's her post on El Salvador: Not what it was, but not what it might have been.

Twenty years ago today, the Salvadoran government and the FMLN signed the peace accords that ended the nearly 12-year civil war. While in retrospect it is easy to criticize the various shortcomings of the accords, it is also important to note the significant changes that took place because of them: the restructuring of the military, the creation of the new police force (PNC), the creation of the new electoral tribunal (TSE), judicial reforms, land transfers, and the legalization of the FMLN as a political party. However imperfect in their implementation, these reforms dramatically reshaped Salvadoran politics and society. It is also important to note that the ceasefire has never been broken- a rather spectacular feat given the number of peace accords that fail within their first five years. As late as 1991, many academics and policymakers doubted that a negotiated resolution to the conflict could be reached. That the peace has held this long is a testament to both parties.

Unfortunately, the quality of El Salvador’s peace has been compromised throughout the past two decades. There were serious problems with the implementation of key elements of the accords— too many to discuss in detail here. The Cristiani administration’s refusal to acknowledge, much less implement, the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission thoroughly undermined societal reconciliation. Only under the Funes administration has there been any meaningful acknowledgment of the grievous crimes committed by the state during the war. Impunity is rampant. The accords did nothing to alleviate the economic injustices that have long plagued the country. Over the past two decades, more Salvadorans have fled the country in search of work and better opportunities than did during the war. Finally, post-accord El Salvador has been plagued by a seemingly unending crime wave that threatens not only Salvadoran citizens, but the very spirit of the accords. The violence is so consuming that some Salvadorans refer to the past 20 years as “not war,” finding it impossible to reconcile such violence with “peace.” Limitations on political participation, such as the anti-terror law, and the joint patrols between the police and army undermine some of the most basic principles of the accords.

So how are we to evaluate the last 20 years of peace in El Salvador? There is no doubt that El Salvador is a country transformed in many ways. One need only look at the executive office to see that. There is also no doubt that the quality of peace has disappointed many, myself included. In sum, it’s not what it was, but not what it might have been.

As much as this anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on the past two decades, it also offers an opportunity to look forward- forward to the possibilities of peace in a new era. There is much work to be done— none of it easy. Transforming “not war” into “peace” will require resolve, creativity, acumen, and political agility. Getting to peace also requires a re-commitment to the spirit and letter of the framework established at Chapultepec 20 years ago. What better day than today to begin again?