US Congressman Introduces Bill to Label Polisario Front as Terrorist Organization
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has announced plans to introduce legislation designating the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization. This initiative underscores ongoing concerns regarding the group's activities and its alleged ties to foreign powers.
Wilson made the announcement on the social media platform X, emphasizing that supporting Morocco’s Autonomy Plan is crucial for resolving the long-standing Sahara dispute. He stated, “I will introduce legislation to designate the Polisario as terrorists,” while accusing Algeria and Russia of using the separatist movement to gain strategic influence in Africa.
Morocco severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2018, alleging that the Islamic Republic's proxy, Hezbollah, was providing the Polisario with military and logistical support aimed at undermining Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Moroccan Ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, reiterated these concerns in 2022, noting evidence of collaboration between Tehran and the Polisario, including training and equipment provisions.
Prominent scholars, such as Michael Rubin from the American Enterprise Institute, have called for the United Nations to cease recognizing the Polisario Front as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people.
Wilson's push to classify the Polisario as a terrorist group is not new; he has frequently raised this issue in Congress, linking the group to broader regional instability. In a recent session, he criticized Russia’s involvement in the Sahara conflict, stating, “War criminal Putin, Iran, and Cuba are actively destabilizing West Africa by supporting the Polisario Front, a threat to the Kingdom of Morocco.” He highlighted Morocco's significance as a longstanding ally of the United States.
The congressman referenced the US recognition in December 2020 of Morocco's territorial integrity over its southern provinces. His comments follow a reaffirmation from the US administration of its support for Morocco's sovereignty. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only viable solution to the dispute during a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
International officials have increasingly labeled the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, particularly following recent attacks attributed to the group. In December 2023, French MP Thierry Mariani condemned the Polisario for attacks in Es-Semara that resulted in casualties. Additionally, a missile strike by the Polisario in November 2024 targeted a civilian ceremony in Mahbes, further escalating tensions in the region.
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