A U.S. Republican Congressman, Joe Wilson, together with Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta, today officially introduced a bill in Congress proposing to designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. The move follows several months of work by Wilson preparing the legislative text.
In a post on X, Wilson described Polisario as a “Marxist militia backed by Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia,” asserting that it provides “a strategic foothold for Tehran in Africa” and destabilizes Morocco—“a U.S. ally for 248 years.” He added that he is “proud to present a bipartisan bill,” indicating rare cross-party agreement over a foreign policy measure.
The Polisario is a Marxist militia backed by Iran, Hezbollah and Russia providing Iran a strategic outpost in Africa and destabilizing the Kingdom of Morocco, a U.S. ally for 248 years.
Grateful to introduce bipartisan legislation with @RepJimmyPanetta to designate the Polisario… pic.twitter.com/ESQjgwefLo
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) June 26, 2025
Back on May 22, Wilson hinted that President Trump “would settle this issue,” calling Polisario a “real threat to regional security,” supported by adversaries of U.S. interests. On April 11, 2025, he had pledged to support a “true autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty” and to move forward with legislation to classify Polisario as a terrorist group, citing Iranian and Russian support and labeling them as part of a broader “axis of evil” network in Africa.
On May 9, Wilson met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, expressing gratitude for their partnership and commitment to regional peace and stability—particularly in countering Polisario’s influence. Wilson said, “The United States stands with Morocco for peace.”
The bill is largely informed by a report from conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, written by Robert Greenway, titled “Why the United States must confront Polisario, a proxy terrorist actor.” The report calls on Washington to end its “unjustifiable silence” on Polisario’s threat. It cites Polisario’s use of Iranian-made drones, smuggling networks linked to Russian agents, and possible financing of jihadist groups in the Sahel, all within missile range of Gibraltar—one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints.
The report also references a 1988 incident where Polisario missiles downed two U.S. aid agency planes, killing five Americans, to which the U.S. response was minimal. The report frames the current bill as an “American test of will against embedded terror proxies on NATO’s southern flank.”
It claims that Polisario declared a “state of war” in 2020, attacking Morocco’s defensive wall and threatening foreign consulates and airlines—marking a dangerous escalation toward unregulated armed conflict, with Algeria’s direct complicity and support.
The analysis highlights three pillars underpinning Polisario: Iranian military backing, growing Russian influence, and revenues from illegal trade in the Sahara. It notes a military infrastructure in Tindouf camps with over 40,000 fighters.
Heritage’s report traces Iranian support for Polisario to the 1980s, including Hezbollah-led training and documented drone usage.
If adopted, the bill would enable the freezing of Polisario’s assets in the U.S., a ban on its support or propaganda, and the potential targeting of its sponsors, including Algeria, on U.S. soil.
The proposal will now be sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and, if released, brought to a vote—a major step that could profoundly impact Morocco’s international leverage and set a legislative precedent while countering foreign-backed separatist forces.
