Sydney, Sept 12: UNESCO has raised alarms over reports of looting and damage to several museums and heritage institutions in Sudan, including the National Museum, by armed groups.
Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, the Organization has been closely monitoring the crisis and its impact on Sudan’s cultural heritage. Recent reports highlight an unprecedented level of threat, with looting targeting museums, archaeological sites, and private collections.
UNESCO stresses that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, which protects cultural property from damage, looting, or military use.
The Organization is particularly concerned about the looting of the National Museum of Sudan, which has been under restoration since 2019 through a project funded by Italy.
This museum holds significant historical artifacts, including antiques and archaeological collections of great value.
In addition to the National Museum, UNESCO is investigating reports of looting at the Khalifa House Museum and Nyala Museum, both housing important artifacts from Sudan’s rich history.
The Organization is working to verify the extent of the damage to these institutions.
To prevent further illicit trafficking of cultural property, UNESCO is calling on the global art market and the public to avoid involvement in the trade or transfer of cultural items from Sudan.
The illegal sale or relocation of these items would not only diminish Sudan’s cultural identity but also hinder the country’s future recovery.
UNESCO is taking concrete steps to curb trafficking by organizing a training session in Cairo by the end of 2024 for law enforcement and judiciary members from Sudan’s neighboring countries.
The Organization is also using satellite imagery to assess risks and damages to World Heritage sites like Gebel Barkal and the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe.
In response to the ongoing crisis, UNESCO has implemented emergency measures at five archaeological museums in Sudan.
Over 1,700 objects have been inventoried and digitized, and collections have been packed and secured in safe havens.
Furthermore, a center has been established in Port Sudan to support displaced Sudanese artists, providing a space for them to continue their work and interact with the community.
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