A Group of 1980s Civil War Veterans Asks the Government of El Salvador for Dialogue to Address Their Needs

By Eddie Galdamez  |  March 19, 2024
Salvadoran Civil War Veterans

Yesterday, a contingent of veterans from the Salvadoran Civil War of the 1980s rallied, advocating for the establishment of a dialogue platform with the Salvadoran government to address their concerns and needs.

Jose Amaya, the coordinator of the Veterans Movement, stated to reporters that the group hopes that the Bukele Government will delegate an official to establish a dialogue.

Amaya indicated that among his requests is the fulfillment of the promise to increase the pension to war veterans and disabled people, housing programs, credits, scholarships for their children, and a specialty hospital.

We need a direct dialogue to be opened from the Presidential House, where a delegate is appointed to be able to dialogue and discuss the most important issues and resolve the needs of this sector. Jose Amaya, Veterans Movement coordinator.

Amaya expressed regret over the presence of colleagues facing terminal illnesses, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive health programs across national hospitals to support them.

The group of veterans gathered in the Plaza Salvador del Mundo and communicated their demands to the media outlets covering the event.

The war veterans want an increase in the pension of war veterans and disabled people; currently, they receive $100 per month, but they want a pension increment to $300 per month. Veterans also want help with housing, credit lines, and scholarship programs for their children.

The war veterans remarked that their hope is high as President Bukele does not need or depend on other political parties to appoint ministers so that they approach their needs.

Throughout history, the veteran community has consistently demanded fair pensions, compensation for their service and injuries sustained in combat, land allocation, and the establishment of specialized hospitals, among other necessities.

Despite these longstanding requests, governmental support, including that from the current administration, has been notably lacking.

The veterans said they support President Bukele and his re-election, so they now hope to obtain positive responses to their needs.