Western Hemisphere 145
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 251–500 deaths
Narrative: This dispute describes the Cenepa War, another dispute over the contested
area of Cordillera del Condor, more than 125,000 square miles resting between Ecua-
dor and Peru. These states had contested Cordillera del Condor since the end of Span-
ish rule in South America, including militarized disputes in 1932, 1939–1942, 1981,
and 1991. In December 1994 the Peruvian military discovered Ecuadorian outposts in
the disputed territory. On January 9, 1995, Ecuadorian troops captured four Peruvian
soldiers. By the third week of January, Peru launched air and ground strikes around
Cenepa and the meeting point of the Santiago and Yaupi rivers. More than 5,000
troops were involved and hundreds were killed. On February 17, 1995, Ecuador and
Peru signed the Itamaraty Peace Declaration, which called for a cessation of hostili-
ties, demobilization of forces, and talks to resolve the border dispute.
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and the United States also agreed to establish the Military
Observer Mission Ecuador-Peru (MOMEP). However, violations of the agreement
occurred for nearly a month. On March 10, the parties signed the definition of pro-
cedures, and MOMEP headquarters were established within two days. By May 1995
MOMEP had completed most of its preparations for the creation of a demilitarized
zone. Ecuador and Peru signed a demilitarization agreement on July 25 in Lima. The
parties signed the Brasilia Agreements on October 26, 1998, which among other
things settled the Cordillera del Condor border disputes between them.
Coding changes: End Date changed from May 9, 1995. Settlement changed from None.
MID#4143
Dispute Number: 4143
Date(s): September 20, 1995 to July 1996
Participants: 135 Peru/130 Ecuador
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute describes continued fighting between Peru and Ecuador along
their border in late 1995 and early 1996. The initial fighting in January and Febru-
ary 1995 ended with a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces from the area, establishing
a demilitarized zone. Tensions flared in September, though, as small-scale clashes
occurred. Talks followed without any tangible agreements, and various cross-border
attacks and violations continued. The last incident in this particular dispute was in late
July 1996, when Ecuador began military exercises along the border. Peru protested.
Talks continued, and militarized incidents paused for some time, but small-scale fight-
ing recurred in 1997.
Coding changes: Settlement changed from None.
MID#4144
Dispute Number: 4144
Date(s): May 13, 1997 to October 20, 1997
Participants: 130 Ecuador/135 Peru
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None