Converging reports indicate that a delegation linked to Hezbollah visited Polisario’s camps in Tindouf, southern Algeria. The visit occurred amidst Iran’s attempts to dismiss Morocco’s accusations of Polisario ties with the Iranian proxy.
Allegations of Iranian Proxy Ties
Algerian analyst Oualid Kebir stated that the visit reveals Polisario’s ties to the Iranian proxy. He also implicated Algeria in providing cover for these connections.
Kebir emphasized the “deep” political message it delivers, despite Polisario’s attempts to present it as religious and academic. The analyst contends the participants’ identities confirm it is a religious-political network within Hezbollah and Iran’s orbit.
Polisario as a Tool for Iranian Agenda
The analyst accuses Iran of using Polisario as a readily available tool to advance its regional agenda. Iran allegedly utilizes Polisario similarly to its use of the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and loyal groups in Iraq and Syria.
Morocco severed ties with Iran in 2018, accusing Tehran of arming the Polisario Front. The separatist group challenges Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Morocco’s Evidence and Accusations
Morocco claims to have presented well-evidenced data and an intelligence report detailing collusion between Algeria, Iran, and Polisario. Rabat has also raised concerns about Algeria’s financing of Polisario’s acquisition of Iranian military equipment.
Morocco’s ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, stated in 2022 that Polisario and Iran have progressed from training to equipping Polisario with drones. He noted their actions are destabilizing the region, similar to their involvement in Yemen and Syria.
Algeria and Iran refute Morocco’s accusations, but Rabat maintains it has provided sufficient evidence to support its claims.
Read also: Iran Responds to Reports on Potential Talks to Mend Ties with Morocco
In recent years, Iranian officials have expressed a willingness to restore ties with Morocco.
Algeria’s “Striking Paradox”
Beyond the Tindouf meeting, analyst Kebir highlighted a “striking paradox” in Algeria’s approach. Algeria hosts and supports the Polisario, yet voted in the UN Security Council to condemn the Houthis.
The analyst suggests this move is an Algerian attempt to appear “responsible” before the international community. However, Kebir believes it exposes the duality of Algeria’s stance, as it allows visits by political figures who openly back Hezbollah and Iran.
Kebir argues this contradiction exposes Algeria’s stance and confirms the regime supports the Polisario. He believes they are undermining regional stability by opening doors to networks linked to Iran.
Reports of Deeper Collaboration
In April, a report highlighted deeper collaboration between Algiers and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The report suggests Iran uses the Polisario Front to undermine Morocco’s territorial integrity. It alleges that Iran also seeks to meddle in Syria’s domestic affairs.
Sources indicate that Hezbollah has trained Polisario Front separatists to advance its interests. Iran has fostered proxy groups to advance its agenda across the region.
The report quoted officials confirming Iran trained fighters from the “Algeria-based Polisario” who are now detained in Syria.
