The Perception of Urbanity in a Condition of Displacement: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sudan

I attempt in this paper to unravel the complexity and ambivalences that may emerge as a result of displacement. By looking more closely at war displaced persons, more specifically within the borders of their own countries, I tend to critically question the notion of 'urbanity' through questioning the simple notion of 'home'. I attempt to analyze how it can be perceived by the southern Sudanese displaced in Khartoum, who constitute up to a third of the cities population. I have in my research touched upon elements that have emerged as a result of this displacement. I have observed that the meaning of 'home' had undergone certain transformations which allow for the displaced to make sense of the condition to which they were subjected. 'Home' I have observed becomes mobile, what can be carried to the next place in the next journey. Both Simone in 'For a City yet to Come' and Malaquais in "Doula/Johannesburg/ New York: Cityscapes Imagined", argue the notion of movement in the African continent. They both conclude that a new and rather different form of urbanity exists in Africa, this new urbanity is defined by the constant movement of people, whether physically or metaphorically, those who have not yet travelled are continuously dreaming it. Thus notions of 'home', 'stability' have once more been questioned.nrpages: 20status: publishe