The Democratic Revolutionary Alliance (Spanish: Alianza Revolucionaria Democrática or ARDE) were the Southern Front guerrillas in Nicaragua that fought against the Marxist–Leninist elements of the original Sandinista that took part in the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1979.
Formed by Edén Pastora Gómez in 1982, it united his Sandino Revolutionary Front (FRS) with such groups as the Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN), MISURASATA and FARN.
The San Juan River was "liberated" by ARDE, and five strategic bases were formed, including Sarapiquí and La Penca.
Six southern front regional commanders led by Navegante (Nueva Guinea), Ganso (El Rama), and Leonel (Chontales) deposed Comandante Cero in early 1986 and forged battlefield alliances with their other guerrillas from the FDN such as Franklyn and Apache.
The Southern Front Contras continue their fight, and as of 2004 finally gained title to viable farmland in the vicinity of El Rama.