The United States government has a long and heavy-handed history in El Salvador. During the country’s civil war (1980-1992), the United States supported the Salvadoran military in its brutal repression of the popular movement that was fighting for democracy, peace and economic justice. With US funds, training and equipment, the Salvadoran military and security forces murdered 80,000 civilians during the 12-year civil war.

Since the war ended, the US government has continued to intervene in El Salvador. Members of the US government have overtly and covertly supported the Salvadoran elite and the right-wing political parties that serve their interests, including through elections. The United States government continues to drive an economic agenda that benefits transnational corporation at the expense of working people, labor right, the environment and democracy.  

In 2009 and 2014, the Salvadoran people elected presidents from the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). Since 2009, the Salvadoran government has made historic investments in universal healthcare and education and promoted a people-centered development model.

Through our local chapters, CISPES mobilizes across the country to oppose US economic, political and military interventions that violate the democratic will and self-determination of the Salvadoran people.