Faith Nyasuguta
Sudan has revealed the recovery of 570 artefacts looted during the country’s ongoing civil war, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard its cultural heritage. The items, ranging from prehistoric and ancient to Islamic and modern periods, were displayed publicly for the first time at an official ceremony, drawing attention to the extensive damage inflicted on museums and historical sites across the nation.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and National Economy Dr. Jibril Ibrahim described the recovered artefacts as a vital symbol of Sudanese history and identity. He stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to track and recover looted items and called for a comprehensive national inventory and awareness campaigns to protect the country’s cultural treasures.
“The minister emphasised forming a committee of qualified authorities to visit all states in the country to locate and recover stolen antiquities. He also appealed to neighbouring countries to support Sudan in reclaiming its archaeological holdings,” the state-owned Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported.
Sudanese authorities have been actively pursuing the recovery of looted artefacts for several months. Since April 2025, the government has partnered with Interpol and UNESCO to trace items smuggled across borders. The recovered pieces, while significant, represent only a fraction of the thousands of objects taken from museums and archaeological sites since the outbreak of fighting in 2023.
The National Museum in Khartoum was almost completely emptied during the conflict, while other major sites – including the Presidential Palace Museum, the Armed Forces Museum, the Khalifa House Museum, the Ethnography Museum, and the Natural History Museum at the University of Khartoum were also heavily targeted.
Dr. Jibril reiterated that the recovered artefacts serve as a tangible reminder of Sudan’s rich heritage and showcase the ongoing mission to recover additional looted items. “The recovery of hundreds of artefacts is a significant achievement. These items represent history, identity, and civilization. Those who stole them sought to erase Sudan’s identity and distort its civilisation,” he said.
Officials stressed that the public display of these artefacts is part of a broader initiative to foster national awareness and pride while supporting international cooperation in preventing the illegal trade of Sudanese cultural property. The government continues to work closely with international partners to locate and return remaining stolen artefacts, aiming to restore the country’s cultural legacy for future generations.
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