Sudan National Museum reopens after years of conflict

Sudan has reopened its National Museum in Khartoum, marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to restore its cultural heritage after years of conflict.

The museum, home to thousands of ancient Nubian and Sudanese artefacts, had remained closed after suffering extensive damage during the occupation of the capital by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Khartoum was retaken by the Sudanese Armed Forces in March 2025, paving the way for restoration work at the museum.

Officials say the reopening represents both a cultural and symbolic step towards national recovery.

Thousands of artefacts damaged or stolen

According to Sudanese authorities, up to 90% of the museum's collection was either looted or damaged during the conflict.

Government officials say a coordinated recovery operation involving security forces, the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums, and the Ministry of Information has already led to the retrieval of a significant number of artefacts.

Federal Minister of Information Khalid Alisir said Sudan's cultural heritage would not be erased despite attempts to destroy the country's identity during the war.

He said recent recovery efforts had succeeded in returning many valuable artefacts despite the exceptional challenges posed by the conflict.

Recovery efforts continue

Finance Minister Jibreel Ibrahim said those responsible for looting the museum understood the historical significance of the artefacts they had taken.

He described the thefts as an attempt to erase Sudan's history and national identity but said authorities had already recovered a number of priceless objects and would continue working to retrieve those still missing.

Officials acknowledge, however, that many artefacts are believed to have been smuggled abroad, meaning international cooperation will be essential to locating and returning them.

Authorities estimate that Sudan's cultural sector has suffered at least $110 million in damage since the conflict began.

The National Museum was not the only institution affected. Museums in Nyala, Al-Geneina, El Fasher and Wad Madani were also looted or destroyed during the fighting, highlighting the widespread impact of the war on the country's cultural heritage.

Symbol of national identity

For many Sudanese, the reopening of the National Museum is about more than restoring a building. It represents an effort to preserve the country's shared history and safeguard its cultural identity for future generations.

While officials warn that recovering every stolen artefact could take years, they say the museum's reopening signals the beginning of a broader campaign to rebuild and protect Sudan's historical legacy.

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