The Social Housing Crisis In Sudan: Between Militarisation, and Colonialism

Keywords: Housing; Khartoum; Militarisation; Military Coup
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Over the years, Sudan has been plagued by internal problems such as civil wars and military coups, which have reinforced the military's monopoly over the economy. This unstable situation is particularly evident in the housing sector, where a persistent housing crisis exists despite the abundance of land in the state of Khartoum. This crisis has been exacerbated in recent years by the 2019 military coup. The "Housing and Construction Fund" legislation enacted in 2001 was intended to address the underlying housing crisis, but it has only led to further repression due to the normalization of military culture within the government.

This paper aims to provide insights into the housing crisis in Sudan and contribute to the broader literature on the global south by conducting a content analysis of newspaper coverage and online forums discussing current housing issues in Khartoum. The study also includes interviews with policymakers and consultants. The Al-Fath housing project in Sudan has been chosen as a case study to examine the role of militarization in the housing sector's disaster.

The paper aims to lay the groundwork for informing policy-making by presenting the findings of the study. It provides insights into the impact of militarization on the disastrous housing sector in Khartoum over the last 30 years of the regime.