In a troubling development, it has come to light that tens of thousands of priceless artefacts have been looted from one of Africa's most significant museums.
This revelation comes from an official at the National Museum in Khartoum.
The official, who wished to remain unnamed, reported that satellite imagery from last year captured trucks loaded with artefacts leaving the museum.
These trucks were seen heading towards Sudan’s borders, including the one shared with South Sudan.
While the source of the looting remains unclear, earlier reports from Sudan’s national broadcaster had highlighted a “large-scale looting and smuggling operation” targeting the museum.
Museum Under Control of Rapid Support Forces
The National Museum is situated in an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in ongoing conflict with the regular Sudanese army.
Although the RSF has been contacted for comment, they have previously denied any involvement in the looting of such institutions.
A Treasure Trove of History
Experts regard the National Museum as one of Africa's most crucial cultural repositories. Its collection boasts over 100,000 items, including embalmed mummies dating back to 2,500 BC, as well as statues, pottery, and ancient murals.
These artefacts span from the Stone Age through to the Christian and Islamic periods, making them invaluable to both historical and archaeological research.
Other Museums Affected
Looting has also impacted two other major Sudanese museums: Khalifa House in Omdurman and the Nyala museum in South Darfur. The scale of the theft has left many in distress.
Emotional Impact on the Museum Staff
“When we learned about the looting, we didn’t sleep for three or four days,” the National Museum official shared.
“These artefacts are our identity, the identity of the Sudanese people. Losing them feels like losing our existence in this world.”
Efforts to Recover the Artefacts
Efforts are underway to engage with regional governments to secure the return of the stolen artefacts. “Under normal circumstances, artefacts can’t even be moved within the museum without police oversight,” the official explained.
Dr. Julien Cooper, an archaeologist with Macquarie University, emphasized the importance of the museum’s collection.
“The museum has a vast array of artefacts representing different eras and cultures. It’s something we should truly cherish.”
Dr. Cooper, who has spent time at the museum, added that uncertainty surrounds the missing items due to the ongoing conflict, which has made it challenging to obtain accurate reports.
Footage Raises Alarm
In June of last year, a video surfaced on social media showing what appeared to be RSF fighters entering the museum’s bioarchaeology lab and opening containers with mummies and other remains.
The RSF has denied any theft.
War’s Toll on Cultural Heritage
Staff members had to flee the museum soon after clashes erupted between the RSF and the army in April of the previous year.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, displaced 8 million people internally, and forced 2 million to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
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