Morocco's National Observatory for Strategic Studies has urged the country's parliament to launch a legislative and institutional process to classify the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization. The think tank also called on the US Congress and parliaments of friendly and allied countries to take similar initiatives to include the front in lists of terrorist organizations. This move comes amid shifts in the political and diplomatic landscape of the Western Sahara conflict.
The National Observatory for Strategic Studies stated that the changes in the Western Sahara file and the accompanying changes in the future of UN conflict management mechanisms necessitate entering a new political and security phase. This phase requires a thorough review of the security and legal approaches to the Polisario Front militias. The think tank emphasized the need to hold Algeria fully responsible for its political, legal, and regional role in sustaining the conflict.
The observatory noted that Algeria hosts, funds, arms, and provides political and logistical support to the Polisario Front. The think tank called for an international evaluation of Algeria's role, leading to the determination of responsibilities. The observatory's recommendations include accelerating the legislative process to establish a legal and institutional framework for classifying the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization.
On the international level, the National Observatory for Strategic Studies invited the US Congress and lawmakers of friendly and allied countries to adopt legislative initiatives to include the Polisario Front in lists of terrorist organizations. The think tank emphasized the importance of adopting legal and institutional procedures related to this classification to enhance counter-terrorism efforts and protect regional security and stability.
The observatory's recommendations extend beyond legislative and diplomatic aspects, calling for strengthening Morocco's defense and security systems. The think tank urged the intensification of border protection measures and the securing of the country's territorial space. Additionally, it advocated for Morocco to regain full control over the buffer zone east of the security wall.
The National Observatory for Strategic Studies also demanded an end to any armed presence or activity that threatens Morocco's national security. The think tank considers such actions a direct attack on Moroccan territory and stressed the need to address them using all legitimate means, in accordance with the right to self-defense under international law.
The think tank's statement comes as Morocco seeks to assert its sovereignty over Western Sahara. The country's efforts have been met with varying degrees of support from the international community. The classification of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization would have significant implications for the conflict and Morocco's relations with Algeria and other countries.
Key points
- The National Observatory for Strategic Studies has called on Morocco's parliament to classify the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization.
- The think tank also urged the US Congress and parliaments of friendly countries to take similar initiatives.
- The move aims to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts and protect regional security and stability.
