Rare antiquities from Sudan’s National Museum have been looted extensively, officials said, with armed groups involved in Sudan’s civil war suspected of involvement, after fighters removed boxes containing ancient statues, pottery, and other items from the National Museum in the capital, Khartoum. UNESCO has expressed “deep concern” over reports of looting and damage to several museums in Sudan.
The organization called on the international community to do its utmost to protect Sudan’s heritage from destruction and illicit trafficking.
Sudan has been embroiled in ongoing conflict since April, with up to 150,000 people killed. More than 10 million people have been displaced, many fleeing to Chad, South Sudan and Egypt.
