Imposing statues of rams and lions used to stand in the grounds of Sudan's National Museum - priceless artefacts from the time when Nubian rulers conquered what is now Egypt to the north, along with exquisite Christian wall paintings dating from many centuries ago. On a typical day, groups of school children would stare in awe at this reminder of their nation's imposing past, tourists would file through one of Khartoum's must-sees, and on occasion concerts were held in the grounds. But that was before war broke out two years ago. As the Sudanese military reasserts its control over the capital, having finally chased out its rival the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the full scale of the destruction of two years of war is becoming clear. Government ministries, banks and office blocks stand blackened and burned, while the museum – a symbol of the nation's proud history and culture – has been particularly hard hit. Senior officials say tens of thousands of artefacts were either destroyed or shipped off to be sold during the time the RSF was in control of central Khartoum, where the museum is situated. "They destroyed our identity, and our history," Ikhlas Abdel Latif Ahmed, director of museums at Sudan's National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums, told the BBC's Newsday programme. Before the conflict, the National Museum was a gem. Located at the very heart of Sudan – close to the Presidential Palace, and the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers – it told a story of the succession of great civilisations that inhabited this area over time. Now, when museum officials made an inspection visit, they were greeted with shattered glass, bullet cases on the floor and traces of looting everywhere. "The building was very unique and very beautiful," Ms Ahmed said. "The militia [the description Sudanese officials give to the RSF] took so many of the unique and beautiful collections, and destroyed and damaged the rest." Looting has been reported at other Sudanese museums and ancient sites. Last September the UN's world heritage organisation, Unesco, warned of a "threat to culture" and urged art dealers not to import or export artefacts smuggled out of Sudan. Before the war, the National Museum was undergoing rehabilitation, and so many of its treasures were boxed up. That may have made it easier for the collections to be removed. Sudanese officials say precious artefacts from the National Museum were taken away to be sold. They strongly suspect RSF fighters took some of the valuables to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has been widely accused of funding the RSF, although both parties have always denied these accusations. "We had a strong room for the gold collection, they managed to open it and took all the gold," Ms Ahmed said. "Maybe they kept it for themselves, or maybe they traded it in the market." So the whereabouts of pieces like a gold collar from the pyramid of King Talakhamani at Nuri, which dates to the5th Century BC, are unknown. Asked about the value of what was taken, Ms Ahmed replied simply: "There is no value for the museum artefacts, it's more expensive than you could imagine." The de facto government of Sudan says it will contact Interpol and Unesco to attempt to recover artefacts looted from the National Museum and elsewhere. However recovering the artefacts seems a difficult and perhaps even dangerous task, with little immediate prospect of success. The government, and other Sudanese observers, say the RSF's attacks against museums, universities and buildings like the National Records Office are a conscious attempt to destroy the Sudanese state - but, again, the RSF denies this. Amgad Farid, who runs the Fikra for Studies and Development think-tank, is particularly critical of the looting. "The RSF's actions transcend mere criminality," he wrote in a piece shared by his organisation. "They constitute a deliberate and malicious assault on Sudan's historical identity, targeting the invaluable heritage of Nubian, Coptic, and Islamic civilisations spanning over 7,000 years, constituting a cornerstone of African and global history, enshrined within these museums. "This is not an incidental loss amid conflict - it is a calculated endeavour to erase Sudan's legacy, to sever its people from their past, and to plunder millennia of human history for profit." The story of the National Museum – taken over by armed men, its gold and valuables looted and stolen – mirrors the individual stories of so many Sudanese in this conflict: they have been forced to flee, their houses occupied, their gold stolen. According to the UN, nearly 13 million people have been forced from their homes since the fighting began in 2023, while an estimated 150,000 people have been killed. "The war is against the people of Sudan," Ms Ahmed says, bemoaning the war's human cost, as well as the unimaginable loss of centuries of heritage. She - along with other like-minded individuals - intend to restore the National Museum and other looted institutions. "Inshallah [God willing] we will get all our collections back," she said. "And we build it more beautiful than before." Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
'They destroyed our history': How war ravaged Sudan's museums
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Destruction of Sudan's National Museum Highlights Cultural Loss Amid Ongoing Conflict"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The National Museum of Sudan, once a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage, has suffered extensive damage during two years of conflict in Khartoum. Originally a place where school children marveled at artifacts from Nubian rulers and Christian wall paintings, the museum now stands devastated as the Sudanese military attempts to restore control over the capital. Senior officials from Sudan's National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums report that tens of thousands of valuable artifacts have either been destroyed or looted, particularly during the period when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) held sway over central Khartoum. The museum's director, Ikhlas Abdel Latif Ahmed, lamented the loss of identity and history, emphasizing the museum's significance in narrating the story of great civilizations that thrived in the region. A recent inspection revealed shattered glass and signs of looting, painting a bleak picture of the museum's current state.
Looting has not been confined to the National Museum; other museums and ancient sites across Sudan have also been targeted, prompting UNESCO to raise alarms about a cultural crisis. Many artifacts were preemptively boxed up during a rehabilitation project, which may have facilitated their removal. There are strong suspicions that some of the looted items have been smuggled to the United Arab Emirates, a country accused of supporting the RSF despite denials from both parties. The de facto Sudanese government has expressed intentions to collaborate with Interpol and UNESCO to recover the stolen artifacts, although the prospects for success appear grim given the ongoing conflict. Experts argue that the RSF's actions represent a deliberate assault on Sudan's historical identity, aiming to erase a legacy that encompasses over 7,000 years of civilization. As the conflict continues to displace millions and claims countless lives, the plight of cultural heritage remains a poignant reminder of the war's far-reaching impacts. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Ahmed and her colleagues remain hopeful for the museum's restoration, expressing a commitment to reclaim their lost heritage and rebuild a more vibrant future for the National Museum.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the devastating impact of war on Sudan's cultural heritage, particularly focusing on the National Museum in Khartoum. It captures the loss of historical artifacts that once represented the rich history and identity of the Sudanese people. The narrative emphasizes the destruction wrought by the conflict, portraying a tragic picture of cultural degradation.
Purpose of the Publication
This piece aims to raise awareness about the cultural losses experienced during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. By highlighting the destruction of the National Museum and the looting of artifacts, it seeks to evoke a sense of urgency and empathy from the international community. The intention appears to be to draw attention to the broader implications of war, particularly how it affects cultural identity and heritage.
Public Perception
The article likely aims to create a sense of sorrow and outrage among readers, particularly those who value history and culture. It highlights the emotional and cultural ramifications of the conflict, encouraging readers to reflect on the consequences of war beyond the immediate physical destruction. The narrative could foster solidarity with the Sudanese people and urge for international support or intervention.
Omissions and Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on the loss of cultural heritage, it may downplay other significant issues related to the conflict, such as the humanitarian crisis, displacement of people, and ongoing violence. This selective focus might be intended to garner sympathy while avoiding discussions of political complexities or the motivations behind the conflict.
Manipulative Elements
The article employs emotive language and vivid imagery to create a strong emotional response from readers. Phrasings like "destroyed our identity" and "shattered glass, bullet cases on the floor" evoke a visceral reaction, which could be seen as manipulative in how it frames the narrative. The emphasis on the loss of cultural heritage serves to humanize the conflict, but the choice of language may also steer public opinion in a specific direction.
Credibility of the Information
The information presented seems credible, especially given the authoritative statements from officials like Ikhlas Abdel Latif Ahmed. However, the article could benefit from additional perspectives, such as those of individuals directly affected by the war or those involved in the looting. The reliance on a singular narrative can sometimes obscure the full scope of the situation.
Societal Impact
The article has the potential to mobilize public opinion around the need for cultural preservation and could influence humanitarian responses to the crisis in Sudan. It could lead to increased advocacy for international efforts to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones.
Target Audiences
This article may resonate more with communities that prioritize cultural heritage, history enthusiasts, and humanitarian organizations. By focusing on cultural loss, it appeals to those who might not be as engaged with the political or military aspects of the conflict.
Economic and Market Implications
Though directly related to cultural heritage, the article may indirectly affect perceptions of Sudan, influencing investment decisions or tourism in the region. Cultural sites often play a role in economic activities, and their destruction may deter potential investments or tourism prospects.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article does not directly address geopolitical power dynamics, the destruction of cultural heritage could signal instability in Sudan, impacting regional security and international relations. The preservation of cultural sites can also be seen as a reflection of a nation's stability and governance.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is possible that AI tools were used in the writing process to enhance coherence or to analyze data regarding the impact of war on cultural sites. These tools might have influenced the structure and presentation of the information, focusing on emotive narratives to engage readers effectively.
Manipulation and Intent
The article could be seen as carrying an element of manipulation, primarily through its emotive language and selective focus on cultural heritage. This approach may aim to generate a specific public response to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for international attention and support.
The analysis reveals that while the article is rooted in credible information about the destruction of Sudan's museums, it is also shaped by an agenda to evoke emotional responses and foster international awareness and intervention.