US Republican lawmaker Joe Wilson has called for the Polisario Front to be designated as a foreign terrorist organization and for sanctions to be imposed on Algeria. This comes after Russia used its veto power against a US-backed resolution on the Moroccan Sahara at the UN Security Council. Wilson expressed his opposition to Russia's stance, stating that Moscow obstructed a widely-supported resolution that aimed to extend the peacekeeping mission and pave the way for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
Wilson accused Russia of seeking to continue destabilizing the African continent and questioned which parties would benefit from the veto decision. He named Russia, Algeria, Iran, and the Polisario Front as the beneficiaries. Wilson also described Algeria as a tool in Moscow's hands and accused the separatist front, supported by Algeria, of receiving training from Hezbollah. He claimed that these alliances pose a threat to regional stability in North Africa.
The US lawmaker emphasized the need for Washington to take concrete steps, calling for the Polisario Front to be included on the list of foreign terrorist organizations. He also advocated for sanctions against Algeria under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), citing the country's acquisition of Russian weapons to spread chaos in North Africa and Europe.
Wilson's statement was made on October 31, 2026, on his official social media account. He expressed disappointment that Russia's veto prevented the UN Security Council from adopting a resolution that had broad support. The resolution aimed to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Sahara and open the way for Moroccan sovereignty.
The Polisario Front has been engaged in an armed struggle for independence in the Western Sahara region, which has been under Moroccan control since 1976. Algeria has been a key supporter of the separatist front, while Morocco has maintained that the region is an integral part of its territory. The conflict has led to a long-standing dispute between Morocco and Algeria.
Wilson's call for sanctions against Algeria and designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization reflects a tougher stance on the issue. He argued that Algeria could achieve a better future if its leaders chose to support cooperation and stability rather than what he described as supporting terrorism.
The development highlights the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria over the Western Sahara issue. The US has traditionally maintained a complex relationship with both countries, seeking to balance its interests in the region. The designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization and imposition of sanctions on Algeria would mark a significant escalation of US policy on the issue.
Key points
- US Republican lawmaker Joe Wilson calls for Polisario Front to be designated as terrorist organization
- Wilson advocates for sanctions against Algeria under CAATSA
- Russia's veto prevents UN Security Council from adopting resolution on Moroccan Sahara
