US Peace Corps Volunteers Return to El Salvador After 2016 Violence
- The U.S. Peace Corps has returned to El Salvador after a seven-year absence due to violence.
- The initial group of volunteers will engage in community development, education, and youth programs.
- This return reflects improved U.S.-El Salvador relations and the impact of Bukele's policies on reducing crime.
The return of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers to El Salvador marks a significant shift in relations between the two nations, following a hiatus since 2016 due to escalating violence. The initial group of nine volunteers will focus on community economic development, education, and youth initiatives, all of whom have prior experience in Central America. This development comes in the wake of President Nayib Bukele's controversial crackdown on gang violence, which has led to a dramatic decrease in the homicide rate, transforming El Salvador from one of the most dangerous countries to one with the lowest homicide rate in the region. Despite accusations of human rights abuses during the crackdown, Bukele's popularity has surged, allowing him to secure a second term in office, even against constitutional prohibitions. The Peace Corps has a long history in El Salvador, with over 2,300 volunteers serving since 1962, and their return signifies a renewed commitment to partnership and development in the country.