Calls grow for US designation of polisario as terrorist group

Friday 15 May 2026 - 15:47

By: Dakir Madiha

Calls grow for US designation of polisario as terrorist group

Tensions around the Sahara dispute intensified following a reported attack on Smara attributed to the Polisario Front. The incident triggered renewed debate over the group’s role in the conflict and its impact on regional stability. The episode also revived calls for a reassessment of how international actors engage with the movement.

The attack and subsequent political reactions were followed by statements from Polisario leadership criticizing countries that condemned the operation and rejecting the framing of the event. The exchange added to already strained relations between the parties involved in the long-running dispute.

UN framework and resolution 2797 interpretation

The discussion has been linked to United Nations Security Council resolution 2797, which outlines parameters for a political settlement in Sahara. Supporters of the Moroccan autonomy plan argue that the resolution reinforces it as the central framework for negotiations.

The resolution is presented by proponents as reinforcing a ceasefire and emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could undermine the political process. It is also cited in arguments that external actors and local parties must adhere to established UN-led parameters for dialogue.

Push for terrorist designation in Washington

Calls have increased among some analysts and political commentators for the United States to designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. The argument is based on allegations of attacks on Moroccan territory and accusations of undermining mediation efforts.

Advocates of this position argue that such a designation would restrict financial and diplomatic networks linked to the group and reshape international engagement. They also suggest it could alter the balance of negotiations by changing how the conflict is legally framed in international institutions.

Algeria’s role and regional implications

Algeria is repeatedly identified by supporters of this position as a central actor in the dispute due to its long-standing political, financial, and logistical support for the Polisario Front. This relationship is presented as a key factor in the persistence of the conflict.

Critics of the current status quo argue that increased pressure on Algeria could shift diplomatic calculations and force a reassessment of its regional policy. The debate is also linked to broader competition in North Africa over political influence and security architecture.

Morocco Algeria relations and diplomatic deadlock

The broader Morocco Algeria relationship remains marked by long-standing political tension and limited diplomatic engagement. Repeated calls for dialogue have not produced sustained negotiations between the two governments.

The Sahara issue continues to sit at the center of this dispute, shaping regional alliances and international positioning. Recent developments are viewed by observers as further hardening positions on both sides, with limited signs of near-term compromise.