Sudan's national museum devastated by war and looting

The Sudan National Museum, located in Khartoum, suffered extensive damage and looting amidst a war that began in April 2023. The conflict erupted due to escalating tensions between the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As fighting broke out, the RSF took control of significant areas in Khartoum, including the district housing the museum. With the museum often becoming a battleground, various artifacts were stolen, and display cases were destroyed, leaving many halls empty and shattered. Reports indicate that all gold artifacts were looted, and a significant portion of the museum's collection is missing. UNESCO expressed deep concern over the impact of the war on cultural heritage sites across Sudan. They highlighted that the damage and looting were not confined to historical sites in Khartoum but extended to other regions, including the River Nile, Northern State, Gezeira, and Darfur. The museum had been a symbol of Sudan's rich heritage and cultural history, showcasing thousands of pieces from the Paleolithic era through various ancient civilizations. However, the ongoing conflict has jeopardized this cultural identity, threatening the recovery and future cultural landscape of the nation. The destruction of the museum signifies not only the loss of historical artifacts but showcases the broader ramifications the war has had on Sudanese society, with an estimated 20,000 lives lost and countless others impacted by this turmoil.