Washington Close to Designating the “Polisario” as a Terrorist Organization: A Major Political Shift Disrupting Algeria’s Calculations

ALDAR / Analysis

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina, along with his Democratic colleague Jimmy Panetta, has submitted a draft bill to the U.S. Congress aimed at designating the Polisario Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move signals a fundamental shift in U.S. policy regarding the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara and reflects a clear trend toward stronger support for Washington’s historic ally in the region — the Kingdom of Morocco.

Titled the “Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act,” the legislative proposal is based on several political and security considerations. Chief among them are accusations that the Polisario receives backing from actors Washington has already classified as state sponsors of terrorism, such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. This support provides those actors with a geopolitical foothold in North Africa and threatens regional security — especially given Morocco’s strategic importance as a U.S. partner for over two centuries.

This initiative comes in a global context marked by growing geopolitical tensions and is part of a renewed American approach to curbing terrorism at its roots and promoting stability in key regions, particularly the Sahel and Sahara. Should the bill be officially adopted, it would represent an unprecedented precedent in U.S. handling of the Sahara conflict and could pave the way for a series of sanctions not only against the Polisario but also against its backers, chiefly Algeria.

This step — the first of its kind from Washington — sends a powerful message indicating a shift in the diplomatic balance of power. By placing the Polisario in the same legal category as organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda, the move could lead to asset freezes and international legal actions against its financiers.

The American message goes beyond the content of the bill itself — it reflects a firm stance of support for Morocco and underscores the seriousness of what Washington considers “destabilizing activities” carried out by the Polisario under the political umbrella of the Algerian regime and with funding and support from powers designated by the U.S. as direct adversaries.

The lawmakers describe the Polisario as a “Marxist militia supported by Iran and Hezbollah,” placing Algeria — which has hosted and backed the group since its inception — in an increasingly difficult diplomatic position. This could strain Algeria’s relations with Western partners, especially amid rising accusations of harboring extremists and financing separatist agendas.

These new American moves cannot be separated from the broader regional and international context — particularly as Morocco’s role grows in key issues such as regional security, counterterrorism, migration, and economic cooperation across Africa. Actively engaged in strategic partnerships with Washington and several Western capitals, Morocco is cementing its position as a trusted ally in a volatile region. This enhances its chances of diplomatically resolving its territorial integrity issue with growing international support.

The U.S. bill represents not just a stinging political blow to the Polisario and its Algerian backers, but also a strategic shift in how Washington deals with the conflict. It signals the increasing isolation of the separatist project on the global stage, and if passed, could mark a turning point in ending one of Africa’s longest-running disputes — tipping the scales in favor of Morocco’s legitimate claims, and reinforcing a vision based on unity, stability, and shared development.