War's Toll on Sudan: Museums Pillaged and Heritage Erased

Sat Oct 18 2025 23:43:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As conflict ravages Sudan, the National Museum stands as a sobering symbol of stolen history, with tens of thousands of artefacts lost or destroyed.

The ongoing war in Sudan has led to the devastating looting and destruction of the National Museum, where priceless artefacts of Nubian and Christian heritage have been lost. With the RSF's control over Khartoum, museums have become targets, erasing centuries of culture and identity, while the government's recovery efforts face significant challenges.

Art from Sudan's past, including stunning Nubian artefacts and Christian murals, has been ravaged by the ongoing conflict in the country. The National Museum of Sudan, a vital cultural hub, once teeming with life and visitors, is now a shell of its former self due to looting and neglect amid the war that has ensued over the past two years.

With the recent military efforts to reclaim control of Khartoum from rival forces, the full extent of the museum's destruction has come to light. Formerly a pride of the nation, the museum now bears witness to shattered displays and remnants of violence, where bullet casings litter the floor.

"Government officials indicate that the militarized factions have either destroyed or trafficked away tens of thousands of cultural items," said Ikhlas Abdel Latif Ahmed, the director of museums at Sudan's National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums. "Their actions have obliterated part of our identity and history."

Before the conflict, the National Museum was undergoing renovations, its exceptional collections boxed away, possibly making them more susceptible to being stolen. Many artifacts have reportedly been transported abroad for sale, with whispers that RSF members have shipped valuables to the United Arab Emirates, although no conclusive evidence substantiates these claims.

The humanitarian crisis has escalated alongside cultural loss, as nearly 13 million individuals have been displaced since fighting erupted in 2023, with 150,000 estimated casualties. Ahmed refers to the assaults on cultural heritage as more than mere acts of crime; they are calculated attempts to sever Sudan's historical ties and erase its legacy.

The Sudanese government has pledged to engage Interpol and UNESCO in efforts to recover looted items, but the daunting task poses significant risks, suggesting little hope for swift justice. Ahmed holds onto the dream of restoring the museum, aspiring to reclaim and rebuild a bulwark of national identity. "God willing, we will restore and beautify our heritage," she professed, emphasizing the enduring importance of Sudan's rich cultural legacy.