Dusting the Past: Mapping the Politico-Historical Representation of Sudan in Jamal Mahjoub’s Wings of Dust

Abstract

Aim: This paper examines the fictional representation of Sudan’s political and historical trajectories in Jamal Mahjoub’s Wings of Dust. Mahjoub documents significant political events and historical shifts in Sudan through the narrative voice of his protagonist, Sharif.

Methodology and Approach: Employing the inductive method and close textual analysis, the study reflects on the burden of Sudan’s historical traumas, rooted in colonial domination, postcolonial repercussions, ongoing civil wars, and the rise of religious fundamentalism.

Outcome: The research identifies Sharif as a symbolic victim of postcolonial Othering, reflecting the broader socio-political landscape of Sudan marked by corruption, internal conflict, identity crises, favouritism, racial discrimination, systemic inequality, political chaos, ethnic clashes, and persistent civil unrest.

Conclusion and Suggestion: The study unfolds the socio-political and historical realities of Sudan as represented in Wings of Dust, and suggests the need for further in-depth research into the ongoing conflicts and unrest in the region.