During his stay, López inspected the emergency and security unit of the camps, aiming to understand their operations, identify shortcomings, and explore potential avenues for cooperation with Alcorcón's security forces.
“"The Sahrawi people have been surviving in refugee camps for 50 years under very harsh conditions. Solidarity is one of their main means of subsistence, which is why it is essential that committed municipalities like Alcorcón continue to strengthen ties and translate their solidarity into concrete measures."
The councilor emphasized that security is a priority need for the Sahrawi people. In response, Alcorcón will promote collaboration in prevention and emergencies, which will include equipment donations and addressing the needs conveyed from the camps.
This trip is part of the ongoing effort to strengthen relations between Alcorcón and the Sahrawi people, which began after a previous meeting between David López and Jalil Mohamed Abdelaziz, the Sahrawi delegate of the Polisario Front in Madrid. That meeting established an agreement to expand institutional, social, and cultural cooperation with Western Sahara.
The Tindouf camps house an estimated population of 173,600 people, with over a third being minors. Infrastructure and services largely depend on international aid and cooperation projects. Alcorcón maintains a twinning relationship with the Sahrawi population of Daira de BuCraa and has participated since the 1990s in the Vacations in Peace program, in collaboration with the Alcorcón for the Sahrawi People association.
Among upcoming actions, the municipal Cooperation area plans to promote initiatives in prevention and emergencies, such as professional equipment donations, joint training development, and stays for Sahrawi emergency teams, in addition to addressing needs identified on the ground.
