Washington: The Polisario could soon be designated a terrorist organization. A decision that puts Algeria under pressure

Behind this initiative lies an increasingly assertive conviction in Washington: the Polisario is no longer seen as merely a political actor, but as a source of instability, suspected of operational ties with actors such as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah. These are serious allegations, including transfers of sophisticated weapons, notably drones, as well as military training.

Beyond the Polisario itself, it is Algeria that finds itself directly exposed. Considered the movement’s main political, financial and logistical supporter, Algiers is increasingly viewed as a central player in the continuation of this conflict. The American bill explicitly mentions potential sanctions against any state that continues to support the Front following a possible terrorist designation.

Several experts point to practices that reinforce these suspicions: diversion of humanitarian aid, recruitment of child soldiers, and connections with armed groups active in the Sahel-Saharan region. The case of former members involved in regional terrorist networks illustrates, according to them, a worrying drift.

Added to this is a broader geopolitical dimension: the Polisario is now believed to be instrumentalized within an influence strategy driven by powers hostile to Western interests, making it an indirect tool of destabilization in North Africa.

Growing pressure on Algiers:

If this classification goes through, it would mark a decisive turning point. The Polisario would find itself isolated on the international stage, while Algeria would face increased diplomatic and economic pressure. The message from Washington is clear: support for entities suspected of terrorist ties will no longer be tolerated.

Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv