In the El Salvador COIN program, what was the outcome for the FMLN?

• A. The FMLN becomes peaceful participant within the government
• B. The FMLN is destroyed
• C. The FMLN seizes control of the government
• D. US withdraws support

Answer: (A)

A key idea in counterinsurgency is offering insurgent groups a legitimate path into the political system in exchange for ending violence. In El Salvador, after years of civil war, negotiations culminated in 1992 with the Chapultepec Accords. The FMLN agreed to demobilize its guerrilla forces and convert into a legal political party, while security forces were reformed and a transition to civilian rule began. This shift allowed the FMLN to participate in elections and governance through peaceful, legal means rather than fighting or attempting to seize power by force. That’s why the outcome is that the FMLN became a peaceful participant within the government.