French Politician Urges Macron to Designate Polisario as Terrorist Organization
Pierre-Henri Dumont, a former French MP, urges President Macron to classify the Polisario Front as a terrorist group due to its alleged ties with Algeria, Iran, and Hezbollah. His appeal reflects rising international pressure for action, aligning with U.S. Senator Joe Wilson's similar stance on supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
hassan benyoub 
Paris, France – Pierre-Henri Dumont, a former French MP and deputy secretary-general of Les Républicains, has called on President Emmanuel Macron to classify the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, citing its alleged ties to Algeria, Iran, and Hezbollah. This appeal, made on April 21, 2025, follows a similar push by U.S. Senator Joe Wilson, signaling growing international pressure to address the separatist group’s role in regional instability.
Dumont’s Call to Action
In a post on X, Dumont, who serves as deputy mayor of Marck and vice-president of Grand Calais, referenced a Hudson Institute report to support his stance. “The Hudson Institute sheds new light on the Polisario. Used by Algeria and Iran, allied with Hezbollah, this movement threatens regional peace and security. France must call things by their name: the Polisario is a terrorist organization,” he wrote. His statement aligns with escalating concerns over the Polisario’s activities in the Sahara region, particularly its impact on Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Echoing U.S. Efforts
Dumont’s call mirrors a recent initiative by U.S. Senator Joe Wilson, who announced plans to introduce legislation designating the Polisario as a terrorist group. In a tweet, Wilson stated, “Authentic autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only viable solution for the Sahara. Iran and Putin use the Polisario to gain a foothold in Africa. Connecting the dots: the Axis of Aggression.” This position is supported by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed America’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, a stance formalized by President Donald Trump in 2020, as noted in The White House archives.
Diplomatic Context and Regional Stability
The calls to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization come amid renewed U.S. support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Lisa Kenna, a senior U.S. State Department official, emphasized Washington’s advocacy for a political solution based on autonomy under Moroccan rule, calling it “the only realistic and lasting resolution to the conflict.” This position, detailed in Morocco World News, underscores the importance of resuming negotiations while addressing the Polisario’s alleged destabilizing activities, including reported links to Iran and Hezbollah, as highlighted in AL-Monitor.
Implications for France and Europe
Dumont’s appeal marks a significant moment as the debate over the Polisario’s status gains traction in Europe. France, a key player in the region, has not yet officially classified the Polisario as a terrorist group, unlike the U.S.’s more assertive stance. However, growing evidence of the group’s ties to Iran and Hezbollah, as cited by APAnews, may pressure Macron to reconsider France’s position. The issue has also sparked discussions on X, with users debating the implications for regional security and Morocco’s sovereignty.
Looking Ahead
As calls to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization intensify, the international community faces a critical juncture in addressing the Sahara conflict. France’s response could influence broader European policy, potentially reshaping diplomatic dynamics in North Africa. With the U.S. and Morocco advocating for a unified approach, the focus remains on achieving a sustainable resolution while countering threats to regional stability.
Stay updated on the Sahara conflict and international diplomacy with our ongoing coverage.
