The Sudan National Museum has been under the control of the RSF since the beginning of the conflict with no ability for outsiders to monitor. There were uncorroborated reports that the RSF had removed objects from the Sudan National Museum; recently, these reports of were confirmed when two trucks with antiquities from the museum were stopped at the border to South Sudan. AmSARC strongly condemns this attack on the Sudan National Museum. We are gravely disturbed by this act of destruction and its potential influence on Sudan’s cultural history as an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Sudan’s rich archaeological heritage.
Sudan’s unique cultural legacy is crucial to our understanding of the past, and the Sudan National Museum serves and promotes it. These artifacts embody the Sudanese people’s collective memory and identity, and they contribute to a global understanding of human history. The attack on this important institution not only robs Sudan of its historical heritage but also denies future generations the ability to identify and appreciate their history and their ancestor’s achievements.
We called upon the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to urgently recognize the importance of Sudan’s cultural heritage and to act as guardians of this irreplaceable heritage. However, the RSF deliberately continues to attack historical monuments and looted museums, including removing and transporting Sudan National Museum collections to neighbouring countries and putting some of these artifacts online for sale. The intended acts by the RSF violate all the international laws and agreements regarding antiquities looting and trafficking. It is critical that all armed organizations in Sudan, including the RSF, recognize and protect the country’s cultural heritage. We urge the RSF to reconsider their act and collaborate to retain stolen artifacts, withdraw their forces from all cultural institutions in Khartoum and other heritage sites across the country, and not to commit any further acts of violence or destruction that could jeopardize Sudan’s cultural heritage.
AmSARC also calls on the world community, archaeologists, UNESCO and other cultural organizations, and concerned citizens to unite in support of Sudan in the face of this cultural disaster. We urge them to give their voices, knowledge, and resources to the Sudanese people’s efforts to preserve their cultural heritage. Funds raised will contribute directly to assist scholars, sites, and projects with these concerns.
If you prefer to send a check, it can be sent to AmSARC Treasurer: Michele Buzon, AmSARC, Department of Anthropology, Stone Hall 304, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907.
AmSARC is the American Sudanese Archaeological Research Center, an independent not-for-profit founded in 2017. Our mission is to encourage American and Sudanese archeological research and collaboration in Sudan and provide the network and support for success. The center facilitates research and nurtures scholarly ties between institutions and individuals in both countries as well as conducting its own archaeological research in Sudan. AmSARC also organizes outreach on public archaeology throughout the two countries. AmSARC was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in California and has secured 501(c)3 status.
Services provided:
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- Consultations to establish and manage projects in Sudan.
- Recommendations of professionals and specialists for archaeological mission teams.
- Facilitation of transportation in Sudan.
- Assistance with the custom regulations in Sudan and international shipment of materials.
- AmSARC Institutional Members:
