20th Anniversary of the Peace Accords in El Salvador

I'd like to introduce you all to ChristineJ. Wade. Christine is an Associate Professor ofPolitical Science and International Studies at Washington College as wellas a good friend. Among other publications, Christine is a co-author of UnderstandingCentral 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 ElSalvador: 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 thenearly 12-year civil war. While in retrospect it is easy to criticize thevarious shortcomings of the accords, it is also important to note thesignificant changes that took place because of them: the restructuring of themilitary, the creation of the new police force (PNC), the creation of the newelectoral tribunal (TSE), judicial reforms, land transfers, and thelegalization of the FMLN as a political party. However imperfect in theirimplementation, these reforms dramatically reshaped Salvadoran politics andsociety. 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 withintheir first five years. As late as 1991, many academics and policymakersdoubted that a negotiated resolution to the conflict could be reached. That thepeace has held this long is a testament to both parties.

Unfortunately, thequality of El Salvador’s peace has been compromised throughout the past twodecades. There were serious problems with the implementation of key elements ofthe accords— too many to discuss in detail here. The Cristiani administration’srefusal to acknowledge, much less implement, the findings of the Truth andReconciliation Commission thoroughly undermined societal reconciliation. Onlyunder the Funes administration has there been any meaningful acknowledgment ofthe grievous crimes committed by the state during the war. Impunity is rampant.The accords did nothing to alleviate the economic injustices that have longplagued the country. Over the past two decades, more Salvadorans have fled thecountry in search of work and better opportunities than did during the war.Finally, post-accord El Salvador has been plagued by a seemingly unending crimewave that threatens not only Salvadoran citizens, but the very spirit of theaccords. The violence is so consuming that some Salvadorans refer to the past20 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 mostbasic principles of the accords.

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

As much as thisanniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on the past two decades, italso offers an opportunity to look forward- forward to the possibilities ofpeace 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 thespirit and letter of the framework established at Chapultepec 20 years ago.What better day than today to begin again?