Shakirah E. Hudani

In this engaging conversation, Shakirah E. Hudani, an urban studies scholar specializing in African cities, explores her book on post-genocide Rwanda. She discusses the intricate balance of urban master planning and grassroots efforts in Kigali, highlighting how spatial strategies reshape lives and memories. Hudani dives into local community responses to urban changes, revealing tensions around land use and environmental initiatives. Her insights bridge the complex intersections of identity, memory, and urban repair, while offering parallels to other post-conflict regions.

Shakirah E. Hudani, an urban studies scholar specializing in African cities and post-conflict transitions, delves into the intricate world of urban repair in post-genocide Rwanda. She explores how large-scale planning interacts with local memory and materials to forge reconciliation. Hudani introduces the concept of 'Minor Acts,' everyday repairs vital for social restoration. She critiques Kigali's master plans, revealing their impact on residents, and discusses ongoing themes in urban transformation as she looks toward her future research in Nairobi.