Urban Imaginaries in South Sudanese Contemporary Literature: A Qualitative Study on the Representation of Urban Life

South Sudan is a country experiencing rapid urbanization due to displacement caused by conflicts and natural disasters, leading to an increase in contemporary literature that reflects on its cities. The study employs content analysis of literary works to identify recurring patterns in representation of urban life. A sample of five novels published between and is examined for thematic consistency and cultural specificity. A common theme identified was the portrayal of migration as a significant factor shaping urban identities, with approximately two-thirds of analysed texts highlighting this aspect in various ways. The analysis reveals how South Sudanese literature uses its urban narratives to reflect broader socio-political realities and personal experiences of living in cities. Further research is recommended to explore these themes in greater depth. Future studies could incorporate oral testimonies alongside literary texts, expanding the scope of representation study on urban life in contemporary South Sudan. South Sudan, Urban Life, Contemporary Literature, Migration, Identity