France at a Crossroads: Why the Muslim Brotherhood Must Be Declared a Terrorist Organization

 

France stands at a decisive moment in its domestic security policy. The Muslim Brotherhood, long a controversial actor in Europe, faces growing scrutiny amid mounting evidence of its role as an ideological incubator for extremist movements.

The Security Dimension

French intelligence agencies have repeatedly linked Brotherhood-affiliated institutions to radicalisation pipelines. While the Brotherhood often presents itself as a non-violent political movement, its ideological framework provides justification for jihadist groups, including Al-Qaeda affiliates and ISIS. By legitimising extremist narratives, the Brotherhood operates as a gateway to violence even when it avoids direct attacks.

Exploiting Democracy

One of the Brotherhood’s most effective strategies in France has been weaponizing democratic protections. By invoking “Islamophobia,” Brotherhood-linked leaders shield themselves from criticism while continuing to build parallel institutions—schools, associations, and mosques—that undermine secularism and social cohesion. This manipulation of law and society has made the Brotherhood a persistent challenge for French authorities.

Legal and Political Momentum

The 2021 Anti-Separatism Law already provides France with mechanisms to dissolve organizations spreading extremist ideologies. Recent closures, including the dissolution of the European Institute of Human Sciences, highlight France’s incremental approach. A full terrorist designation would not only strengthen legal tools but also give security services broader authority to freeze assets, ban symbols, and dismantle networks.

European and International Precedent

Austria has already taken the step of banning the Brotherhood and its symbols, creating a clear EU precedent. Beyond Europe, France’s regional partners—the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—have long designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Aligning with these allies would bolster France’s diplomatic position while reinforcing its counter-extremism credibility.

Protecting Communities, Not Targeting Religion

The most crucial narrative is that this is not a campaign against Islam. Millions of French Muslims practice their faith peacefully and contribute richly to society. The Brotherhood, however, politicises religion, exploiting vulnerable communities for its agenda. By classifying the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, France would protect Muslims from ideological exploitation while reinforcing secular democracy.

Conclusion

The question is no longer whether France can act—it is whether it will. With strong legal tools, broad public support, and international precedent, France has every reason to move forward. Declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization is a matter of security, unity, and justice.