The Sudan National Museum, once a beacon of Sudanese heritage containing treasures from ancient Nubian civilizations, has suffered immense destruction since the onset of war two years ago. The museum, which stood proud with remarkable statues and historical artwork, has transformed into a shell of its former self, marked by shattered glass and signs of looting.
With the Sudanese military regaining control over Khartoum post-conflict, the devastating impact of war is painfully apparent. Once vibrant, the museum was a magnet for school children, tourists, and cultural events. Now, it lies in ruins. Ikhlas Abdel Latif Ahmed, the museum's director, expressed sorrow over the loss, stating, "They destroyed our identity, and our history."
The looting spree led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in countless artefacts being sold or destroyed. Prior to the war, the National Museum was receiving much-needed restorations, with many valuable pieces packed away. This made it easier for the RSF militia to pilfer items, with some reports suggesting stolen artefacts find their way to markets in the UAE.
The UN's cultural agency, Unesco, has sounded alarms over the threat to Sudan's cultural assets, urging art dealers to refrain from engaging with smuggled items. Ahmed highlighted the significance of lost pieces like a gold collar from King Talakhamani's pyramid, emphasizing that these artefacts hold immeasurable cultural value.
Despite the dire situation, the Sudanese government pledges to engage Interpol and Unesco in efforts to recover stolen items. However, the recovery seems daunting, given the RSF’s targeting of cultural sites as a deliberate strategy to undermine Sudan’s historical narrative, according to critics.
Amgad Farid, a researcher, condemned the looting as a calculated attack on Sudan's identity, stressing the importance of preserving the country’s rich heritage that spans over 7,000 years. The situation reflects the broader human tragedy of the conflict, which has uprooted millions and claimed countless lives.
As the nation mourns the loss of its past, Ahmed remains hopeful for the future, asserting plans to restore the museum and recover its collections. "Inshallah, we will get all our collections back," she says, yearning for a reconstruction that honors Sudan's illustrious legacy.
