The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between United States, Canada and Mexico implied the removal of the Article 27 of Mexico's constitution that protected the native communal landholdings. In reaction, the left-wing Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) declared war against the Mexican government on the day of the signing of the NAFTA agreement, 1 January 1994.
Led by charismatic Subcomandante Marcos, the EZLN rapidly gained popularity among the left-wing youth in the Americas and in Europe and established a considerable global media presence.
Peace negotiations started in 1995, leading to several agreements, the San Andrés Accords signed in 1995 and 1996. However, socio-political tensions with the Mexican state and the lack of protection of the indigenous peoples and subsistence farmers remained unresolved. Nowadays, the Chiapas Conflict continues as a low-intensity conflict.
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Peace Agreements Database