The Problem of Forced Evictions: Migration, Development, and Displacement in African Cities

Tackling Forced Evictions in Nairobi and Beyond

This conference brings together civil society organizations, stakeholders, experts and researchers concerned with identifying problems and solutions relating to forced evictions in African cities. The purpose of the gathering is to exchange knowledge on specific instances of displacement that have been documented, but also patterns in the causes and consequences of such occurrences. Questions addressed include:

• Why and how do certain familiar scenarios keep playing out in the same, predictably violent ways, from Nairobi to Lagos, and Addis Ababa to Dakar?

• Which organizations are monitoring, contesting and alleviating the fall out of forced evictions? Should migration agencies play a greater role in supporting them as IDPs? What would be the consequence of viewing forcibly evicted persons as IDPs in a more formal sense?

• How can compensation, dignified and rights-based resettlement or remedial action for populations displaced by development be pursued?

• Which experts are formulating alternatives to forced evictions and how can these be made part of campaign agendas?

• Where, within the international system, should protest and/or calls for change be directed?

• How does the issue of forced evictions reflect a larger problem of the way in which cities are planned and governed in Africa and beyond?

• What is the current role of institutions such as the World Bank and external sponsors of infrastructure-led development such as China?

Our event takes place against the backdrop of a worsening cost-of-living crisis; at which there is an urgent need to address the particular problems faced by forcibly displaced persons in order to develop durable policy solutions. The cases presented include the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s own projects with communities in Nairobi since late 2021, which began amidst the Covid 19 pandemic and its aftermath. The conference aims to bring this work into dialogue with that of Amnesty International, Kituo cha Sharia, Pamoja Trust, Maseno University School of Law, Kenya Land Alliance, and others who have monitored forced evictions and their consequences in recent years. The outcome of discussions should include recommendations for policymakers that should be advocated for within the growing number of initiatives on urban migration governance in the context of climate change.

Objectives

The main objectives of the workshop are as follows:

• To raise awareness about the causes and consequences of D-i-D and forced evictions in Nairobi and other African cities.

• To develop actionable strategies for mitigating and addressing the challenges resulting from D-i-D and forced evictions in Nairobi and other African cities.

• To foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, policymakers, NGOs, urban planners, and affected communities across the African continent on the issues surrounding D-i-D and forced evictions.

Participants and Target Audiences

The workshop is intended for policymakers, urban planners, NGOs, researchers, academics, community leaders, and individuals interested in Nairobi's urban development and social justice issues.

Format

The conference will adopt an interactive format, including presentations, panel discussions, and a roundtable discussion. The sessions will encourage active participation and engagement from all participants.

Topics

Infrastructure and Development-Induced Displacement in urban settings:

• Understanding the root causes and implications of development-induced displacement.

• Analyzing role of the state and other actors in urban infrastructural development and its impact on individuals and communities.

• The specific case of the Nairobi Expressway/Mukuru wa Njenga; cases from the Horn of Africa and West Africa.

Climate Change and Urban Displacement:

• Identifying the way in which climate change risks and vulnerabilities intersect with D-i-D in urban areas.

• Identifying adaptive strategies for building urban resilience and protecting vulnerable populations to the risks of climate change and D-i-D.

Expected Outcomes

• Through engaging presentations, discussions, and collaborative workgroups, the workshop aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Increasing awareness among participants about the complexities of urban displacement, a form of internal migration, in Nairobi.

• Generate policy recommendations on urban displacement and forced evictions in Nairobi and other African cities.

• Identify innovative solutions and approaches to urban displacement while prioritizing human rights and social justice.

• Contribute to ongoing efforts for the establishment of resilient and equitable cities in the context of climate change-induced displacement.

• Enhance collaboration and networking among stakeholders for future initiatives on migration, displacement and inclusive, sustainable urban development.

Logistics

The workshop will take place on 28th August 2023 from 9 am to 4 pm at Park Inn‎ by Radisson Nairobi, Westlands.

Please direct inquiries to:

fabianoriri@gmail.com ; ali.nobil@hoa.boell.org ; Linah.Kinya@hoa.boell.org