A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a resolution calling on the State Department to designate the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The resolution, led by Senator James E. Risch and others, cites alleged ties between the group and Iran-backed militias as a primary justification.
The move aligns with the Moroccan government's longstanding position, which views the Polisario Front as a separatist threat. Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its territory, a claim supported by the U.S. following the 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the region.
International reactions are divided. Algeria, which hosts and backs the Polisario, condemned the resolution as a dangerous escalation. The Polisario Front itself has denied the terrorism allegations, stating it is a legitimate national liberation movement.
Analysts note that an FTO designation would carry significant legal and financial consequences, potentially complicating any future peace negotiations. The Biden administration has not yet indicated whether it will act on the senators' request.
