The United States moves towards designating the polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization

The Polisario Front is back in the international spotlight. A bipartisan initiative in the U.S. Congress, led by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta, aims to officially designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist group. This move highlights the movement’s alleged ties with dangerous actors such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, and the threat it poses to Morocco’s stability.

Joe Wilson publicly denounced the Polisario’s role as “a cog in the Iranian machinery,” enabling Tehran to expand its strategic influence in Africa through this group. For him, the Polisario serves as Iran’s foothold in North Africa and destabilizes a longstanding U.S. ally, Morocco, a key Washington partner for over two centuries.

If this bill passes, it would mark a turning point in U.S. foreign policy towards the region, strengthening Morocco’s position as a key pillar of international security. Currently, although supported by Algeria under the military leadership of Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Said Chengriha, the Polisario Front escapes sanctions. However, its listing as a foreign terrorist organization would lead to isolation, economic sanctions, and diplomatic tightening, similar to groups such as Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, or ISIS.

Beyond symbolism, this measure sends a strong message: the U.S. will no longer tolerate its historic allies being weakened by militias tied to foreign interests, especially Iranian ones. The growing consensus in Washington highlights concern over the expansion of pro-Iranian networks beyond the Gulf and confirms renewed support for an indispensable strategic partner in Africa: Morocco.