Ottawa, June 8, 2023
CMA expresses concern over heritage sites and museums at risk in Sudan
The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the heritage sector in Sudan, as the nation grapples with the profound and escalating conflict in the capital city, Khartoum, which has placed its wealth of historical artefacts at risk. The conflict has already displaced over 1.2 million people within the country and forced another 400,000 to seek refuge in neighbouring states, leading to a grave humanitarian crisis.
We have been deeply troubled by reports of fighting in close proximity to the National Museum in Khartoum, one of Africa's most significant cultural institutions. The museum, which holds a collection of over 100,000 artefacts, including ancient mummies dating back to 2500BC, as well as artefacts from the Stone Age to the Christian and Islamic eras, represents an invaluable treasure of human history and cultural heritage. We express grave concern over reports of potential damage to the museum, and further, to the potential risk posed to the safety of its staff and the integrity of its collections.
Other heritage sites such as the tomb of Muhammad Ahmad, also known as the Mahdi, and a newly opened museum in Omdurman, now reportedly being used as bases, are also of significant concern. The tomb has been listed as a site of “outstanding cultural value” by UNESCO. The prospect of airstrikes or bombardment could result in irreversible loss of cultural and historical artefacts. The situation in Sudan is reminiscent of the cultural losses faced by Iraq and Syria in recent years due to conflict, leading to widespread looting and loss. The international heritage community, therefore, has a collective responsibility to support our colleagues in Sudan, to ensure that their rich archaeological heritage is preserved for future generations.
As we express our solidarity with our colleagues in Sudan and appeal for protection of its rich cultural heritage, we must not forget the human toll of this conflict. We echo the call of the UN Security Council for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian organisations access and to provide aid to the millions of civilians affected by this crisis.
Disponible en français.