In a significant development, U.S. Peace Corps volunteers have resumed their activities in El Salvador after an eight-year absence. This return, occurring on September 27, 2024, marks a turning point in the relationship between the United States and the Central American nation.
The Peace Corps' departure in 2016 was prompted by escalating violence in El Salvador, which at the time was grappling with one of the world's highest homicide rates. In 2015, the country recorded a staggering 106 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, totaling 6,658 killings in a population of just 6.3 million.
El Salvador, known as the "Land of Volcanoes," has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. The country, which is the smallest in Central America with the highest population density, has seen a remarkable reduction in crime rates. This change is largely attributed to President Nayib Bukele's controversial crackdown on street gangs, which began with a state of emergency declared in 2022.
Under Bukele's administration, approximately 81,900 suspected gang members have been detained. However, this aggressive approach has not been without criticism. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the arbitrary nature of many arrests, often based on appearance or place of residence. The government has had to release about 7,000 individuals due to lack of evidence.
Despite these concerns, Bukele's policies have resulted in a significant drop in homicide rates. In 2023, El Salvador recorded only 214 homicides, with 116 reported in the first nine months of 2024. This dramatic decrease has transformed the country from one of the world's most dangerous to having the lowest homicide rate in the region.
The return of the Peace Corps is seen as a positive step in U.S.-Salvadoran relations. Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn stated:
"Today is not just a celebration, it's a commitment to continue building on the decades-long partnership with the people of El Salvador."
The initial group of nine volunteers will focus on community economic development, education, and youth initiatives. This marks a continuation of the Peace Corps' long-standing relationship with El Salvador, which began in 1962 and has involved over 2,300 volunteers.
It's worth noting that El Salvador's history and culture are rich and diverse. The country adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency in 2001 and made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. The country's economy relies heavily on remittances from Salvadorans working abroad, and coffee has historically been a major export.
Bukele's popularity remains high despite constitutional concerns surrounding his re-election in February 2024. The United States, which had previously been critical of Bukele's methods, sent a high-level delegation to his inauguration, signaling a shift in diplomatic stance.
While the Peace Corps' return is a positive development, challenges remain. The human rights organization Cristosal reported in July 2024 that at least 261 people had died in prisons during the crackdown. Balancing public safety with human rights protections continues to be a critical issue for El Salvador as it moves forward.
As El Salvador continues its efforts to maintain low crime rates and foster development, the return of the Peace Corps represents a new chapter in the country's journey. With its rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage site Joya de Cerén and traditional dishes like pupusas, El Salvador aims to build a safer and more prosperous future for its citizens.