San Andrés Accords

Mexican history

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July 20, 2026

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The San Andrés Accords were an agreement signed in February 1996 between the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) and the Mexican government, led by President Ernesto Zedillo. The EZLN, a guerrilla group based in Chiapas, Mexico, rebelled in 1994 to protest economic policies they believed would harm the indigenous population, particularly those related to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and land privatization.1

The San Andrés Accords outlined a program for land reform, indigenous autonomy, and cultural rights. However, President Zedillo rejected the accords later that year, despite the EZLN's continued advocacy for their implementation through political means and demonstrations. The accords aimed to address the grievances of Mexico's indigenous peoples, who had suffered significantly during the country's civil conflict.12

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Zapatista National Liberation Army
The rebellion
…what became known as the San Andrés Accords, which outlined a program of land reform, indigenous autonomy, and cultural rights. In December of that year, however, Zedillo rejected the accords.
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…what became known as the San Andrés Accords, which outlined a program of land reform, indigenous autonomy, and cultural rights. In December of that year, however, Zedillo rejected the accords.
Read More