Looting of artefacts at Sudan"s National Museum by RSF fighters

Tens of thousands of artefacts have been reported looted from the National Museum in Khartoum, a significant cultural institution in Africa, during the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The museum, which houses over 100,000 items, including ancient mummies and historical artefacts, has been under threat since fighting erupted between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular army on April 15, 2023. The RSF, a paramilitary group, controls the area surrounding the museum and has been accused of involvement in the looting, although they have denied these allegations. The looting has not only affected the National Museum but has also been reported at other major museums in Sudan, including Khalifa House and the Nyala museum. An anonymous museum official expressed deep concern over the loss of these artefacts, stating that they represent the identity of the Sudanese people. The emotional toll of losing such significant cultural heritage has been profound, with museum staff struggling to cope with the implications of the thefts. Efforts are being made to engage with regional governments to facilitate the return of the stolen artefacts. The situation has been complicated by the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of millions of people. The museum's staff had to abandon their work due to the violence, leaving the collection vulnerable to theft and destruction. Experts emphasize the importance of the museum's collection, which spans various historical periods and cultures. The loss of these artefacts not only diminishes Sudan's cultural heritage but also raises concerns about the preservation of history amidst the chaos of war.