Contradicting State Ideology in Sudan: Christian-Muslim Relations among the Internally Displaced Persons in Khartoum—The Case of Mandela and Wad al-Bashīr Camps

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the nature and processes of Christian-Muslim relations among the displaced persons in their daily lives and disproves the assumption that religion is a dividing factor inside the camps of the displaced. It discusses the state's attempts to impose a particular kind of behaviour that is problematic to social interactions in displaced communities. The relationships inside the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) community and its connections with the host community are also addressed. The chapter illustrates the behaviours and attitudes of members of the IDP communities regarding inter-faith dialogue in their daily life. It also describes the political structure and the role of the current government in Christian-Muslim relations in the IDP Camps and compares individuals' responses with those of the government. The survey was conducted in two of the largest displaced persons' camps in Greater Khartoum, namely Mandela in Khartoum and Wad al- Bashīr in Omdurman. Keywords: Christian-Muslim relations; Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) community; Khartoum; Mandela; Omdurman; Wad al- Bashīr