Latest news with #PolisarioFrontTerroristDesignationAct
Morocco World
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
US Congress Publishes Full Bill Detailing Case to Designate Polisario as Terrorist Group
Rabat – The US Congress has officially published the full text introduced by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, presenting a detailed case for designating the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. The bill covers multiple arguments to convince the US Congress to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist group, highlighting its collusion with Iranian proxy Hezbollah as well as its involvement in violent attacks against Moroccan forces, as well as its role in destabilizing the Maghreb and Sahel regions. It is named the 'Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act,' stressing the separatist group's documented history and operational ties with Iran. Documented history of operational ties with Iran 'The Polisario Front has a documented history of ideological and operational ties with Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, dating back at least to 1980, when Polisario fighters publicly posted with portraits of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in a bid to attract revolutionary credibility and Iranian patronage,' reads the congressional bill. It cites reports highlighting Hezbollah's collusion with Polisario, a reality whose uncovering prompted the severance of ties between Iran and Morocco in 2018. Morocco announced that year its decision to freeze diplomatic relations after it received evidence about the collusion, accusing Tehran of providing Polisario military and logistical support. While both Iran and Algeria denied the collusion, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and UN Permanent Representative Omar Hilale emphasized that Morocco had received indications and satellite proof of training and equipment provision links between Tehran and the separatist group. Hilale said in 2022 that Iran had 'gone from training to equipping the Polisario with drones.' The bill highlights this collusion, suggesting that Iran's support for the separatist group has reportedly advanced from training to the provision of lethal hardware. Images disseminated via Polisario-controlled social media channels attest to the separatist group's access to Iranian-type munitions, it adds. The congressional bill also pointed to the Washington Post's recent report, shedding light on Iranian support for the Polisario Front. 'The Washington Post reported in April 2025 that Iran has trained Polisario Front fighters and provided them with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), deepening concerns about the group's growing capabilities and external sponsorship,' says the bill. In its report, the Washington Post quoted sources who confirmed that Hezbollah was training the separatist group to advance its interests in the Sahel. 'Over the years, Iran has fostered a wide array of proxy groups to advance its interests,' the report said, noting that a regional official and a third European official had indicated that Iran had been training fighters from the Algeria-based separatist group that are now detained by Syria's new security forces. International appeal Like Wilson, many international officials have joined the growing chorus of voices urging their countries to label the separatist group as a terrorist group, given its involvement in destabilizing the region's security, particularly the Sahel. In June, Spanish news outlet La Provincia published an opinion piece recalling the separatist group's attacks against workers from Fos Bucraa, fishermen from the Canary Islands, and civilians from the Basque Country. The author of the piece, Igacio Ortiz, emphasized that the call to designate Polisario as a terrorist group should not be a mere political theater: 'On the contrary, it should be a moral imperative.' In addition, former UK Secretary of State for Defense, Liam Fox, made the same appeal. 'Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Polisario Front is an Iranian proxy organization,' Fox said. 'For the sake of our Moroccan allies, Western governments must move quickly to designate this group as a terrorist organisation.' Tags: Algeria and polisarioalgeria and the polisario front
Ya Biladi
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
What a U.S. terrorist designation could mean for the Polisario Front
DR The bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Joe Wilson (Republican) and Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) seeks to designate the Polisario Front as a « foreign terrorist organization » (FTO). However, even if the bill passes, the designation would not be automatic: under U.S. law, the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, who acts on advice from the Treasury Department and the Department of Justice (8 U.S.C. § 1189). To persuade Congress—and ultimately Secretary of State Marco Rubio—Joe Wilson emphasizes the Polisario's ties to Hezbollah and Iran. He could also highlight threats of terrorist attacks against foreign interests in Western Sahara by leaders of the separatist movement. If the «Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act» succeeds and the State Department officially labels the Polisario as an FTO, here are four key consequences to expect: Implications of the FTO designation in the United States Asset freeze: The Treasury could block any funds controlled by the Polisario within U.S. jurisdiction. This freeze would be targeted; a global blockade would require an additional designation as a «Specially Designated Global Terrorist» (SDGT) by OFAC. In practice, many non-U.S. banks would likely halt processing dollar payments to avoid risks. Prosecution for «material support»: Anyone in the U.S. providing material assistance could face up to 20 years in prison (18 U.S.C. § 2339B). However, humanitarian licenses could still be granted, as has been done for groups like the Houthis, ensuring vital aid reaches civilians. Visas and border controls: Members and supporters would be legally inadmissible under INA § 212. Diplomatic exemptions might apply for UN personnel, but access to the U.S. would become the exception rather than the rule. Polisario's credibility and finances under pressure Loss of «liberation movement» aura: The FTO label would legally equate the Polisario with groups like Hezbollah or the PKK, seriously undermining its third-worldist narrative. Fundraising challenges: American payment platforms would sever ties, and European banks would adopt a strict cautionary stance. Non-dollar channels such as cryptocurrencies or Asian banks might persist unless secondary sanctions are imposed. NGOs under scrutiny: Humanitarian organizations would need OFAC licenses to operate in the Tindouf camps. Any advocacy or training involving the Polisario would become legally risky. Algeria in a delicate spot No automatic «State Sponsor of Terrorism» label: That designation requires clear, repeated support for attacks targeting U.S. interests. «Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act» law leverage: If Algeria pursues significant new Russian arms deals, CAATSA sanctions could be triggered, but this would be a highly political and conditional decision. Narrative costs: Supporting a group officially labeled as terrorist would damage Algeria's position, especially since some Sahel countries accuse it of backing terrorist groups in the region. Possible mitigation: Algeria might push for the disarmament of Polisario militias to ease international pressure. Multilateral repercussions: shifting from «decolonization» to «security» At the UN Security Council: The U.S. could push to add counter-terrorism to MINURSO's mandate during its next renewal. This would require a new resolution and must avoid a Russian or Chinese veto. Within the African Union: Some member states concerned about their image might distance themselves from the SADR, potentially leading to a formal suspension if 36 countries support amending the AU's founding charter. Bilateral relations: Hesitant countries would have a stronger rationale to openly back Morocco's autonomy plan. In short, if Washington finally brands the Polisario Front as an FTO, it would shine a spotlight on the alliances behind the Polisario—making them more visible, and more politically costly for countries like Algeria and South Africa to support.
Ya Biladi
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
What a U.S. terrorist designation could mean for the Polisario Front
The bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Joe Wilson (Republican) and Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) seeks to designate the Polisario Front as a « foreign terrorist organization » (FTO). However, even if the bill passes, the designation would not be automatic: under U.S. law, the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, who acts on advice from the Treasury Department and the Department of Justice (8 U.S.C. § 1189). To persuade Congress—and ultimately Secretary of State Marco Rubio—Joe Wilson emphasizes the Polisario's ties to Hezbollah and Iran. He could also highlight threats of terrorist attacks against foreign interests in Western Sahara by leaders of the separatist movement. If the «Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act» succeeds and the State Department officially labels the Polisario as an FTO, here are four key consequences to expect: Implications of the FTO designation in the United States Asset freeze: The Treasury could block any funds controlled by the Polisario within U.S. jurisdiction. This freeze would be targeted; a global blockade would require an additional designation as a «Specially Designated Global Terrorist» (SDGT) by OFAC. In practice, many non-U.S. banks would likely halt processing dollar payments to avoid risks. Prosecution for «material support»: Anyone in the U.S. providing material assistance could face up to 20 years in prison (18 U.S.C. § 2339B). However, humanitarian licenses could still be granted, as has been done for groups like the Houthis, ensuring vital aid reaches civilians. Visas and border controls: Members and supporters would be legally inadmissible under INA § 212. Diplomatic exemptions might apply for UN personnel, but access to the U.S. would become the exception rather than the rule. Polisario's credibility and finances under pressure Loss of «liberation movement» aura: The FTO label would legally equate the Polisario with groups like Hezbollah or the PKK, seriously undermining its third-worldist narrative. Fundraising challenges: American payment platforms would sever ties, and European banks would adopt a strict cautionary stance. Non-dollar channels such as cryptocurrencies or Asian banks might persist unless secondary sanctions are imposed. NGOs under scrutiny: Humanitarian organizations would need OFAC licenses to operate in the Tindouf camps. Any advocacy or training involving the Polisario would become legally risky. Algeria in a delicate spot No automatic «State Sponsor of Terrorism» label: That designation requires clear, repeated support for attacks targeting U.S. interests. «Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act» law leverage: If Algeria pursues significant new Russian arms deals, CAATSA sanctions could be triggered, but this would be a highly political and conditional decision. Narrative costs: Supporting a group officially labeled as terrorist would damage Algeria's position, especially since some Sahel countries accuse it of backing terrorist groups in the region. Possible mitigation: Algeria might push for the disarmament of Polisario militias to ease international pressure. Multilateral repercussions: shifting from «decolonization» to «security» At the UN Security Council: The U.S. could push to add counter-terrorism to MINURSO's mandate during its next renewal. This would require a new resolution and must avoid a Russian or Chinese veto. Within the African Union: Some member states concerned about their image might distance themselves from the SADR, potentially leading to a formal suspension if 36 countries support amending the AU's founding charter. Bilateral relations: Hesitant countries would have a stronger rationale to openly back Morocco's autonomy plan. In short, if Washington finally brands the Polisario Front as an FTO, it would shine a spotlight on the alliances behind the Polisario—making them more visible, and more politically costly for countries like Algeria and South Africa to support.
