Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
International Museum Day, celebrated annually on 18 May, is an occasion for UNESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to recognize museums as essential spaces for dialogue, education, cultural continuity, and peacebuilding. The 2026 theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” is especially relevant in Sudan, where ongoing conflict endangers the country's cultural heritage.
Since the outbreak of war in 2023, over twenty museums in Sudan have been looted or damaged, resulting in the theft, destruction, and trafficking of thousands of artefacts. Museums preserving Nubian, Kushite, Islamic, and African history have been targeted, threatening cultural memory and identity.
On International Museum Day, UNESCO’s Director General Khaled El-Enany emphasized that museums are integral to society, enabling communities to reflect and fostering shared understanding. Junaid Sorosh-Wali, UNESCO Representative to Sudan, highlighted that protecting Sudan’s museums is vital not only for conserving artefacts but also for preserving memory, identity, and future reconciliation.
In response to the crisis, UNESCO has mobilized emergency actions through its Heritage Emergency Fund to protect museums and their collections under challenging conditions. Working with Sudan's National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums (NCAM), UNESCO assessed damage and risks at priority sites such as Kerma, Gebel Barkal, Red Sea, El Damer, and Sennar museums, facilitating urgent protective and stabilization measures.
UNESCO’s efforts include creating digital databases documenting 1,737 artefacts to bolster protection against illicit trafficking and relocating collections from El Damer to safer storage at Kerma Museum. The Sudan National Museum has suffered substantial losses, with over 4,000 artefacts reported missing. Additionally, UNESCO has trained 40 personnel with the National Mine Action Centre, supporting further safeguarding efforts.