Les commerçants zaghawa du Darfour (Soudan) : des passeurs de frontières

Abstract

This paper examines the pathways of accumulation of specific Sudanese traders who came from the border region of Northern Darfur. It argues that the Sudan-Libya border have been fundamental to success not only because it has provided a real business opportunity in the 60s,70s and 80s but also because it has led to special ways of being and practices. The paper shows that experience of cross-border trading combined with a strong pastoral culture has forged a specific model of entrepreneur for which mobility and border crossings are central assets. The characteristics and their prospects of integration within the city and its society differed significantly from the ones of the Islamist Bourgeoisie which has emerged during the same contemporary period.

Keywords

• trade
• border
• Sudan
• Darfur
• political economy