Polisario faces US congressional scrutiny over terror links, sanctions proposed

Washington lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill calling for the imposition of sanctions on the Algeria-backed Polisario Front under the Global Magnitsky Act and its designation as a foreign terrorist organization under U.S. immigration law.

The bill, led by Republican Senator Joe Wilson and Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta, cites alleged human rights violations and growing military cooperation between the Polisario and Iran, including Hezbollah and other U.S.-designated terrorist groups.

According to the bill, seen by Jeune Afrique the Polisario has a long-standing ideological and operational relationship with Iran, dating back to the 1980s.

It also references reports of Hezbollah operatives training Polisario fighters in Algeria’s Tindouf camps in 2018 and highlights recent footage and analysis indicating the use of Iranian drones and munitions by Polisario elements.

The legislation directs the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a detailed report within 180 days outlining the Polisario’s leadership structure, military activities, foreign backers, and links to terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the PKK.

Within 90 days, the Secretary of State and the Treasury Secretary must assess whether the group meets the legal thresholds for terrorism designation and sanctions under relevant U.S. laws, including Executive Order 13224 and the Global Magnitsky Act.

The ill provides a waiver clause, allowing the U.S. President to suspend sanctions and designation efforts if the Polisario is found to be genuinely engaging in negotiations toward Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan for the Sahara, which envisions self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty.

The proposed legislation reflects growing concern in Washington over foreign military involvement in the Western Sahara conflict and the implications for regional stability and U.S. interests.