In an intriguing diplomatic development, Morocco succeeded in turning the Sahara issue into an internal American matter after prominent Republican Congressman Joe Wilson labeled the Polisario Front a “terrorist group” during his meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
This statement is not just a passing remark, but a political earthquake that reveals deep shifts in the American stance. What are the reasons behind these statements? Are we witnessing a radical change in American policy toward the region?
Grateful to meet with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita @Marocdiplo_EN to discuss our long standing partnership and commitment to peace in the region including the stability of Western Sahara from Polisario terrorists. The U.S. stands with Morocco for peace 🇺🇸🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/hMacifTCQh
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) April 9, 2025
This meeting takes on special significance in light of Wilson’s statements, who reposted a tweet on the social media platform “X”, affirming that the partnership between the United States and Morocco is based on a shared commitment to establishing peace in the region, including the stability of Western Sahara, which, according to him, faces a direct threat from Polisario elements that the U.S. classifies as terrorist groups.
In a direct expression of his position, the Republican congressman classified the Polisario Front as part of the “axis of aggressors,” which includes international actors that the United States considers a threat to regional security. Wilson mentioned that the Polisario cooperates with regimes like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, further amplifying concerns about this group’s support for actions threatening the stability of West Africa in general, and Morocco in particular.
Wilson also pointed out that records from the Syrian regime confirm the Polisario’s involvement in sending militias for training, and he added that this group invited terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, raising several questions about the level of coordination between the Polisario and other terrorist groups.
These statements come at a sensitive time for Morocco, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated, during his meeting with Bourita, America’s full support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, with Washington committed to supporting Morocco’s proposal for autonomy. This American recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the region strengthens the Kingdom’s position against the Polisario’s efforts, which are supported by some international parties.
Questions to clarify:
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What measures can the United States take to strengthen the stability of Western Sahara?
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How will the recent U.S. moves affect the positions of Algeria and the Polisario in the conflict?
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Will the U.S. play a larger role in the political settlement in the future? And how will its relationship with Morocco influence these actions?
Analysis of the subject’s dimensions: The meeting between Bourita and Wilson reflects a shift in American policy toward confirming its support for Morocco in the Western Sahara issue. These statements also highlight the complexity of the ongoing conflict in the region and reveal geopolitical dimensions involving international interventions that could affect the stability of North Africa in general.
General context: This meeting illustrates the U.S. desire to confront what it perceives as threats from terrorist groups and to stand alongside its ally Morocco to ensure regional stability.
Connection to the general context: The Western Sahara issue remains a central point in Morocco’s international relations, with the U.S. firmly supporting Morocco, which could strengthen its position in the regional and international diplomatic arena.
