Two more U.S. lawmakers back bill to label Polisario a foreign terrorist organization

A bill that would require the United States to designate the Polisario Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organization is gaining support in Congress, with two more Republican lawmakers signing on as co-sponsors.

Reps. Scott DesJarlais and Matt Van Epps joined the legislation on July 9, bringing the number of co-sponsors in the House of Representatives to 16.

The measure, known as the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act, was introduced by Republican Rep. Joe Wilson. If passed, it would require the U.S. secretary of state to determine whether the Polisario Front meets the legal criteria to be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization under U.S. law.

The bill reflects growing support among a group of Republican lawmakers who say that the Polisario Front has developed ties to Iran and other armed groups operating in North Africa and the Sahel.

They say those allegations warrant a formal review of the movement’s status under U.S. counterterrorism laws.

Supporters of the legislation point to concerns over regional security, saying the measure is intended to address what they describe as increasing instability across North Africa.

They say that examining the Polisario’s alleged foreign links is in line with broader U.S. efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region.

The Polisario Front has long denied accusations that it is linked to terrorist organizations or acts on behalf of Iran.

The bill has not yet become law. Like any legislation introduced in Congress, it must first move through committee before it can be considered by the full House. If approved there, it would also need to pass the Senate before reaching the president’s desk.

The legislation does not automatically place the Polisario on the U.S. list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Instead, it directs the State Department to conduct a formal assessment and determine whether the group satisfies the legal requirements for designation.

A Foreign Terrorist Organization designation carries significant legal consequences. It becomes a crime under U.S. law to knowingly provide material support to a designated group, members can be barred from entering the United States, and any assets under U.S. jurisdiction can be frozen.