Dossier

Urban Displacement

Picture lead. Forced Evictions. Stories from the Frontline African Cities — Image credits

Editorial: Forced Evictions & Development-induced Displacement in African Cities

Forced evictions are a form of invisible displacement. Their causes and consequences for communities can be devastating; the benefits they bring are unclear. Why then, do they elicit such little concern among policymakers? This richly illustrated multi-media dossier contains reportage, analysis, policy recommendations from several African cities as well as oral testimonies on migration and displacement in Nairobi.

Dakar, Lagos, Thiès, Nairobi

Vulnerable Communities

Lagos from its Margins: Land and insecurity in an African Megacity

From its beginnings as a fishing village, Lagos has grown into a large metropolis that attracts migrants seeking opportunity and Internally Displaced Persons fleeing violence. These already mobile communities are particularly vulnerable to forced evictions.

By Prof Taibat Lawanson

Demolition of a house. Desparate People.

Demolition and Displacement at the Peri-Urban Frontier: the Senegalese city of Thiès

A tragedy befell the inhabitants of the Senegalese city of Thiès in January 2022. This article is about the demolition of their homes, forced displacement and the brutal nature of development-induced displacement.

By Dr Mbaye Dieng

Development-induced displacement in Dakar: the BRT’s impact on informal transport workers

Dakar’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) project has been touted as a modern, sustainable solution to the city’s congestion problems. But is the ‘real’ urban economy being sacrificed at the altar of ‘Progress’?

By Prof. Papa Sakho

Dispossess: Evictions for Development?

As Lagos pushes to become a 'world-class' city, gentrification increases with more low-income residents being displaced under the pretext of 'public interest'. This research summary explores how evicted victims are impacted and its implications on local trade and the Lagos economy.

By Immaculata Abba

Food stall in the midst of the demolished areas of Mukuru (Photo: Brighton Ochieng Odwar)

Under Fire: Forced Evictions and Arson Displace Nairobi’s Poor

Urban displacements greatly diminish the living conditions of already desperate populations living on the brink of poverty in Nairobi.

By Dr Wangui Kimari and Constant Cap

Displacement and Evictions in Nairobi

Chart showing Displacement in Nairobi — Image credits

Testimonies of displaced people in Nairobi

Bridgit Atieno; Domestic Worker

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Bridgit's testimony in Kiswahili:

Jared Ouma, 36; Musician

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Jared's testimony in Kiswahili:

Maurice Omondi, 32; Unemployed

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Maurice's testimony in Kiswahili:

Mariam Nduta, 35; Social Worker

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Mariam's testimony in Kiswahili :

Annete Kendi Muhonja, 22; Activist

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Annete's testimony in Kiswahili:

Ruguru Wanjiru, 37, female; activist

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Rugurs's testimony in Kiswahili :

Rukia Godana, 38; Human Rights Defender

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Rukia's testimony Kiswahili:

Collins Marx Odhiambo, 29; Human Rights Defender

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Collins''s testimony in Kiswahili :

Gerald Kamau, 32; Small holder / entrepreneur

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Gerald's testimony:

David Kiarie, 26; Environmental Activist

Read the testimony in English

Listen to David's testimony:

Richard Mulei, 34; Casual Industrial Worker

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Richard's testimony in Kiswahili:

Leah Kimani, 36; Community Worker

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Leah's testimony in Kiswahili :

Clinton Ojiambo, 28; Plumber, Community Worker

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Clinton's testimony:

George Muhia, 33; Interior Designer

Read the testimony in English

Listen to George's testimony:

Our special thanks to:

Interviews, translation, and transcription: Irene Asuwa
Photography: Brighton Ochieng Odwar
Illustrations: Robert Maina Kambo
Edited and Curated by: Ali Nobil Ahmad

Minoo Kya, 27; Non-binary; Activist/thespian

Read the testimony in English

Listen to Minoo's testimony:

Podcast

All episodes

Curated Conversations is a podcast series that examines the past, present, and possible futures of migration within and from the African continent. It seeks to forge a new discussion around African migration in Europe and the West, but also within Africa itself: one that foregrounds African knowledge, lived experience, and political thought towards a humane and socially just order of mobility. Hosted by African Arguments and the Heinrich Boll Foundation’s African Migration Hub.

Episode 8: The Black Mediterranean

In recent years, thousands of migrants seeking to reach Europe have drowned in the Mediterranean. Mediatized images of travelers crammed into vessels have become all-too familiar. Horrific coverage of these boats capsizing has constructed a morbid notion of the Mediterranean as a space of death and desperation for African migrants.

Publications on Displacement

Cover Page with illustration of forced eviction

Development Induced Displacement in Kenyan Cities

New Publication

This policy brief addresses the problem of forced evictions resulting from development in Kenyan cities. In it, the author synthesizes the findings of a conference on ‘Urban Displacement’ convened by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s African Migration Hub in Nairobi on August 28th 2023. Surveying a wide range of literature and legal cases brought by civil society on behalf of displaced communities, Development-induced Displacement in Kenyan Cities provides new and original policy recommendations on how to improve migration and displacement governance at the local, national, and international level.

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Internal Displacement in Ethiopia: Towards a New Policy and Legal Framework for Durable Solutions

New Publication

This analysis reviews and identifies gaps within the existing legal and policy frameworks related to internally displaced persons (IDPs) using an approach based on human security. It provides recommendations on the protection of these groups from attacks, pervasive human rights abuses and re-displacement, thereby contributing to the consolidation of a durable solution based on proactive policies and a new legal framework.

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