Reports of widespread looting at the National Museum of Sudan in Khartoum have surfaced amidst the country’s deepening civil war and humanitarian crisis
The United Arab Emirates-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) orchestrated a “large-scale looting and smuggling operation,” stealing valuable artifacts from the museum, according to accusations. Satellite images, obtained by Sudan’s national broadcaster SBC, allegedly show trucks leaving the museum earlier this year and crossing into South Sudan.
The RSF, engaged in a violent conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, controls much of Khartoum. While the museum has been a target before, the scale of the current operation has drawn widespread condemnation. SBC’s report omitted details on the stolen artifacts, but informed sources claim that several items have surfaced for sale online and on social media platforms. Authorities have not yet confirmed if these illicit transactions have finalized.
This is the second time that the RSF has faced accusations of looting the National Museum. In April 2023, the group denied similar claims, insisting they were protecting the institution. However, new evidence points to more extensive involvement. Footage reportedly shows RSF fighters raiding the M Bolheim Bioarchaeology Laboratory, where researchers kept human remains dating back to 3300-3000 BCE.
The National Museum of Sudan, a vital repository of the country’s cultural and historical legacy, houses artifacts from prehistoric times through the Islamic era. The loss of such priceless heritage adds to the devastation wrought by the ongoing conflict, which has already displaced more than 10 million people and pushed a third of Sudan’s population to the brink of famine.
Human rights groups continue to sound the alarm over atrocities committed by the RSF. These include unlawful killings, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing. In May, Human Rights Watch warned that the RSF’s actions in Darfur may amount to genocide against the Massalit community, further intensifying international scrutiny of the paramilitary group’s conduct.
