Call for Papers: International Conference on Population
Mobility,(Sudan) 11/10
Faculty of Economic and Social Studies
University of Khartoum
International Conference on Population Mobility: ICPM 2010
Socioeconomic and political dimensions of population mobility in Sudan
A conference concept note
Sudan represents a case of conspicuous population movements. While these movements are
subsumed under the general banner or framework of migration, the extent to which the
country witnesses striking population movements is illustrated by the fact that in 2004,
over 17 percent of Sudan inhabitants were internally displaced. Rural-urban migration has
historically been one of the main types of movements that were practiced by migrant
labourers who seek seasonal employment either in cities or irrigated and/or rain-fed
agricultural schemes. Over the last three decades, however, migration ceased to be
seasonal and migrants either prolong their stay or opt for permanent settlement. Khartoum
has the biggest share of migrants. The latest census results show that more than two
thirds of the city inhabitants are in fact migrants (not born in Khartoum).
The 1984/85 drought and the resumption of civil war in Southern Sudan accelerated
population movements. Displacement, whether caused by drought or civil wars, became one of
the defining features of Sudan since the 1980s and beyond. Since displaced persons
principally relocate to major cities, urban population in Sudan grew remarkably. The
extent to which big cities could absorb the displaced is an issue that requires attention.
Moreover, whether big cities represent melting pots where traditional loyalties fade away;
paving the way for national integration is another issue that requires attention. In fact,
the extent to which population movements affect national integration and the future of the
country is central to any nuanced attempt that strives to study and analyse these
movements.
Population movements in Sudan are also development induced. A classic example was the
relocation of the Nubians in 1964 when Aswan High Dam was built. In recent years, the
Merowe Dam Project also led to population movements and relocation although the experience
is different from that of Nubians in the 1960s. While the Nubian case received some
scholarly attention, the Merowe one requires looking at. It must also be noted that there
are many other dams that were already planned. Additionally, the work in heightening
Roseires Dam is underway and is leading to dislocation of many adjacent villages.
Socioeconomic and political dimensions of population mobility in Sudan
In addition to the above internal population movements, there are movements that
traverse borders, represented by migrants and refugees. Migrants and refugees have been
part of social formation in Sudan. Sudan represents an interesting case when it comes to
population movements that traverse borders. It is at one and the same time an exporter and
receiver of both migrants and refugees. Historically, different groups migrated to Sudan
during different historical periods. Migration from Arabia and West Africa not only
contributed to the formation of the present day Sudan with its current political
boundaries, but also contributed to the process of a contested identity that is part of
social and political evolution and conflict in the country. While ancient waves of
migrants came voluntarily, the years that followed independence in 1956 witnessed
increasing number of forced migrants from neighbouring countries; notably Ethiopia,
Eritrea, Uganda, Chad and, recently Somalia. Refugees from Ethiopia and Eritrea still come
to Sudan. Local newspapers estimate that during August 2009, about 100 Eritrean refugees
cross the border to Sudan on a daily basis. By far, the number of refugees is much bigger
than that of migrants who come to Sudan for purely economic reasons.
Following oil discovery in Sudan in 1999, the country witnessed migration from Asian
countries (Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, China, and Syria). These
migrants come to Sudan in a number of capacities: investors or businessmen, domestic
workers, etc. Domestic workers represent the majority of recent economic migrants to
Sudan. Yet, the categories refugees and asylum seekers (as defined by the Geneva
Convention of 1951) are by far the most conspicuous and challenging in terms of both
research and policy. Thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries sneak in and blend
in the society and as such it is not easy to procure accurate figures. This is
particularly the case with cross border groups.
In terms of refugee population, Sudan represents an interesting case in the Horn of
Africa. The country is an interesting case because, in spite of long civil wars and
political instability, Sudan is receiving refugees from neighbouring countries whose
conditions are not as worst as the Sudanese case. In terms of relative security and
stability, Uganda, Chad, and Ethiopia are better than Sudan. Yet, people from these
countries have been seeking refuge in Sudan for the last 30 years. One obvious reason for
this is that Sudan has a generous refugee policy, but it also has no effective mechanisms
of guarding its long borders. Another reason is that since the 1980s, Sudan ceased to have
a clear or coherent refugee policy. This, however, does not mean that refugees and asylum
seekers in Sudan fully enjoy rights enshrined in the Geneva Convention of 1951, to which
Sudan is a signatory, since Sudan is not well endowed economically to provide reasonable
livelihood conditions for refugees. Sudan does observe, however, generally speaking, the
principle of non-refoulement. In the end, the lack of clear asylum and refugee policy is
contingent on political conditions and alliances in the region.
In 2007, there were 296,400 refugees and asylum seekers in Sudan. Eritreans, Chadians,
Ethiopians, Ugandans and Congolese make up the population of refugees and asylum seekers
in the country. Their numbers for the year 2007 are as follows: 230,000 Eritreans, 25,000
Chadians, 20,000 Ethiopians, 7,000 Ugandans, and 2,000 Congolese. These numbers
(especially for Eritreans and Ethiopians) must be dealt with carefully since they do not
represent reality. The actual numbers of Ethiopians and Eritreans are much more than the
reported figures, which are provided by the UNHCR. It must be emphasized that although
interesting, the Sudan case is part of the political crises and instability in the Horn of
Africa and the Great Lakes Region. Like Sudan, many countries in these two regions are
producers and receivers of refugees and asylum seekers. While Sudan presently hosts almost
300,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, there are 636,800 Sudanese refugees in
neighbouring countries and further a field. Those same countries that send refugees to
Sudan also host Sudanese refugees.
The different dimensions or aspects of population movements outlined above represent
economic, political, social and sociological problems that require tackling. While there
are few studies (students¡¦ dissertations) and reports on internally
displaced persons, more studies are needed. Issues that require more attention include the
extent to which the displaced feel that they are part of the urban wrap. Studies on
migrants and refugees are also scanty. Apart from the scholarly studies of Gaim Kibreab
and Ahmed Karadawi on Eritrean and Ethiopian refugees in Sudan, and Mohamed El-Awad
Galaledin on Sudanese migrant in the gulf (1988), very little had been done on the
subject. In particular, there is a big gap in our knowledge about international migration
in Sudan. Immigration and emigration are certainly two areas that need attention. The
economics of population movements is one area that requires looking at. The sectors that
absorb them, the jobs they perform, competition with nationals, their remittance and
contribution to the national economy, etc., are all issues that require studying.
Politically, there are many challenges posed by population movements. Internal population
movements have political implications. This is also the case with international population
movement (both immigration and emigration). The presence of huge numbers of refugees from
neighbouring countries represents a national security problem. In 2007, the Sudan
government rejected a proposal from the UNHCR to resettle Eritrean refugees in Sudan.
Citing ¡§national security¡¨ as a reason, the authorities agreed to
allow Eritreans to live in Sudan as long as they wish to, however. This brings the
question of citizenship to the fore. The question of migrant and refugees policy also
comes as an issue that requires looking at; whether Sudan has such policy or not. Whether
there are legal instruments that deal with migrants and refugees is yet another issue that
warrants investigation. Are there laws that regulate the presence of migrants and asylum
seekers?
The conference is organized around the following broad themes:
- Rural-urban migration
- Internally displaced persons (types; natural or man-made causes, livelihood
strategies of internally displaced persons, how far they fare in their host communities,
question of return to original areas, etc.)
- Refugees and asylum seekers to Sudan (case studies by country of origin, issues of
livelihood and protection, state policies on refugees and asylum seekers, the role of
UNHCR, repatriation of refugees, cases from refugee camps in eastern Sudan, etc.)
- The impact of refugees on host communities (interethnic relations, competition over
resources, security problems, spontaneous forms of integration)
- Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries and further afield (case studies)
- International migration (labour migration, highly skilled Sudanese migrants,
etc.)
- Migrants to Sudan: (labour migrants/domestic workers from Asia, Ethiopia and
Eritrea- case studies)
- The economics of population movements (labour markets, employment, remittances,
etc.)
- The politics of migration (government policies with regard to international
migration, refugees and asylum seekers, legal aspect)
Time and venue:
2-4 November 2010, Khartoum.
Important deadlines:
Abstracts:
Interested scholars should send their abstract no later than July 15th 2010. Authors of
accepted abstracts with be notified by July 15th 2010
Complete papers:
September 15th 2010
Scholars coming from abroad are advised to seek funding for their travel expenses. The
organizers will cover the cost of accommodation and food during the conference. Internal
transportation during the conference will also be covered.
Abstracts should be sent to massal@uofk.edu with copies to abdelghaffarahmed@yahoo.com
Conference organizing committee
Abdel Ghaffar Mohamed Ahmed, Professor (Conference Chair), Department of Anthropology
Munzoul A. M. Assal, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology
Hisham Mohamed Hassan, Assistant Professor, Department of Econometrics and Social
Statistics
Yassir Awad, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Sciences
Saif Alnasr Ibrahim, Lecturer, Department of Economics
.
Page Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D.