The Rhythm of Urbanisation in War: A Perspective from Urban IDPs

Similar to other war-torn countries, rapid and unregulated growth of cities is evident in Somalia and Somaliland. In this paper, we address mobilities and immobilities that are apparent in security experiences of people who were forced to flee their home areas during the Somali war and decided to settle (temporarily or not) in cities. The research builds on the assumption that people flee to cities to improve their (physical and material) security, and that security considerations shape processes and rhythms of migration and urbanisation. The paper builds on 80 interviews with IDPs from four different Somali cities, Hargeysa, Bosasso, Mogadishu and Baidoa, to explore how urban IDPs experience their journey to the city. The rhythm of urbanisation is thus explored through careful attention to how these urban IDPs managed their survival while moving towards and navigating their life in the urban environment, and also assesses the capacities displaced people develop amidst multiple insecurities