Selective intervention in Kassala's town centre

Abstract This article aims to show how the authorities interfere in the fight for central space, using the medium-sized town of Kassala (in the Sudan) as an example. The analysis of various government interventions in the Kassala town centre indicates that decision makers generally have little concern for the interests of the most vulnerable groups, especially under the present administration. They are led by ill-considered, class based ideas of what a ‘modern’ city should look like. This implies that ‘unsuitable’ forms of activity (street vendors, craftsmen) and shelter (old houses, mud shops, simple sheds) are removed to allow for the construction of new, multistorey shops, offices, hotels and apartments. Although the government tries to provide the victims with an alternative outside the central area, they usually overestimate their financial capacity, while underestimating their attachment to the centre. Furthermore, the ‘unofficial’ users of the zones intended for redevelopment are either completely disregarded for compensation or have to make do with a mere pittance.