US Congress proposes bill to label Polisario Front as terrorist group

Friday 27 June 2025 - 10:03

By: Zahouani Ilham

US Congress proposes bill to label Polisario Front as terrorist group

A bill has been introduced in the 119th US Congress aiming to classify the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. Republican Senator Joe Wilson described the Polisario Front as a militia supported by Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, posing a strategic threat in Africa and destabilizing Morocco, a longstanding US ally. He highlighted the importance of this legislation, which he co-sponsored with Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta, as part of a broader effort to counter Tehran's influence and its allies in North Africa.

The proposal comes amid rising geopolitical tensions related to Iran and growing concern in Washington about the activities of groups linked to the Tehran axis, with the Polisario Front suspected of being part of this network operating in Africa.

Senator Wilson emphasized that the Polisario Front has evolved beyond a separatist movement to become a direct threat to US interests, calling for urgent legislative action. Should the bill pass Congress and be signed by the White House, the Polisario would be added to the US State Department's list of foreign terrorist organizations, resulting in asset freezes within the US and prohibitions on official interactions by US agencies and international partners.

The measure is expected to increase diplomatic strains with countries accused of supporting the Front, especially Algeria, and could pave the way for further sanctions against entities suspected of funding or cooperating with designated terrorist groups.