Births on January 22

Edén Pastora, Nicaraguan politician

Edén Pastora: The Enigmatic "Comandante Cero" of Nicaragua

Edén Atanacio Pastora Gómez, an iconic figure in Nicaraguan history widely known by his nom de guerre "Comandante Cero," was a prominent politician and guerrilla whose life spanned from November 15, 1936 (or January 22, 1937) to June 16, 2020. His multifaceted career saw him transition from a revolutionary hero to an opposition leader and, eventually, back into the government he once fought against.

Revolutionary Years and the Fight Against Somoza

In the crucial years leading up to the fall of the brutal Anastasio Somoza Debayle dictatorship in 1979, Pastora emerged as the charismatic leader of the Southern Front. This formidable militia, operating predominantly in the southern regions of Nicaragua, was a pivotal force in the revolutionary struggle. It stood as the largest non-FSLN (Sandinista National Liberation Front) armed group, second only to the FSLN itself, which had its primary operational base in the north. Pastora's audacious leadership and strategic successes during this period earned him the enduring and legendary nickname, "Comandante Cero."

Significantly, Pastora's group was among the very first revolutionary factions to proudly adopt the moniker "Sandinistas," a tribute to Augusto César Sandino, the early 20th-century Nicaraguan nationalist hero who resisted U.S. occupation. Furthermore, it was his contingent that initially established an alliance with the FSLN, an organization that would later become synonymous with the Sandinista movement and ultimately lead the victorious revolution.

Disillusionment and the Contra War

However, the unity forged during the revolution proved ephemeral. By the end of 1982, a mere few years after the FSLN's triumphant ascent to power, Pastora became profoundly disillusioned with the direction of the new Sandinista government. He vocalized concerns that the FSLN was straying from the original nationalist and democratic ideals of the revolution, criticizing what he perceived as increasing authoritarianism and a growing alignment with the Soviet bloc. In response to these perceived betrayals, Pastora formed the Democratic Revolutionary Alliance (ARDE).

ARDE was established with the clear objective of confronting the ruling "pseudo-Sandinistas," as he controversially labeled them, through both political opposition and military action. This organization subsequently played a significant role in the Contra War, a proxy conflict primarily funded by the United States against the FSLN government throughout the 1980s. Pastora's ARDE forces, operating from bases in neighboring Costa Rica, engaged in numerous skirmishes and became a key component of the broader Contra movement.

Later Political Life and Controversies

After years in opposition, a remarkable political shift occurred. As of 2010, Edén Pastora had reconciled with the FSLN, returning to the fold of the party he had once vehemently opposed. This reconciliation saw him appointed to a ministerial post within the government of Daniel Ortega, the very FSLN leader he had fought against for years. This late-life political alignment, however, was not without its controversies.

His direct involvement in a long-standing border dispute with neighboring Costa Rica, specifically regarding dredging operations in the San Juan River – a vital shared waterway – and associated allegations of significant environmental damage to territory claimed by Costa Rica, led to a formal legal indictment by the Costa Rican government. This incident highlighted the enduring complexities and contentious nature of his public life until his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edén Pastora

Who was Edén Pastora?

Edén Atanacio Pastora Gómez was a prominent Nicaraguan politician and guerrilla leader, famously known as "Comandante Cero." He played a crucial role in the Sandinista Revolution, later became an opponent of the FSLN government, and eventually reconciled with them.

What was the "Southern Front" led by Edén Pastora?

The Southern Front was the largest non-FSLN guerrilla militia in southern Nicaragua during the Sandinista Revolution against the Somoza dictatorship. Led by Edén Pastora, it was a significant force in the revolutionary movement.

Why was Edén Pastora called "Comandante Cero"?

He earned the nickname "Comandante Cero" (Commander Zero) due to his leadership in audacious and critical early revolutionary operations, particularly those that were highly symbolic or strategic during the fight against the Somoza regime. The "Zero" often symbolized a point of origin or the first of its kind in such operations.

Why did Edén Pastora become disillusioned with the FSLN government?

Pastora became disillusioned with the FSLN government by late 1982, citing what he perceived as the FSLN's drift towards authoritarianism, a deviation from the original nationalist ideals of the revolution, and an increasing alignment with the Soviet bloc, which he opposed.

What was ARDE?

ARDE, the Democratic Revolutionary Alliance, was an armed opposition group formed by Edén Pastora in 1982 after his disillusionment with the FSLN government. It was a key force in the Contra War, seeking to confront the FSLN government both politically and militarily.

What was Edén Pastora's role in the Costa Rica border dispute?

In his later years, as a government official under Daniel Ortega, Edén Pastora was directly involved in dredging operations in the San Juan River, which forms part of the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. These activities led to allegations of environmental damage and territorial encroachment by Costa Rica, resulting in a legal indictment against him by the Costa Rican government.