AYA IBRAHIM

Sudan – The ongoing conflict in Sudan has become the greatest threat to the country’s cultural heritage. Its impact has been directly reflected in historical antiquities, which are a major destination for many tourists visiting Sudan. In addition, tourism has come to a halt and infrastructure has been destroyed.

The Northern State of Sudan is one of the regions richest in historical antiquities. During this year, through its capital Dongola, it is attempting to restore its tourism status by launching the Dongola Capital of Tourism for 2026 Festival. The festival primarily aims to rehabilitate infrastructure and draw the world’s attention to Sudan’s civilization, after heritage sites and museum collections were turned into arenas of looting and conflict—something that requires urgent interventions for protection and rescue.

Walaa Omar Issawi, who works at the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed that the conflict has significantly affected various sectors, particularly tourism. This is evident in the looting of antiquities and museums, which has disrupted tourist movement as the country is now perceived as unsafe. Tourist facilities such as hotels have also been destroyed.

She explained that the major impact has been on tourism assets and natural attractions, which has negatively affected the country’s economic growth, as tourism revenues “contribute directly to economic development.” The conflict has imposed challenges on tourism through increased travel costs, a decline in tourist numbers, and a sharp drop in revenues.

Issawi stressed the necessity of reconstructing facilities and developing a clear plan based on promotion and intensified efforts to attract tourists and convince them that Sudan is a safe country.

The conflict in Sudan has caused comprehensive disasters for both the tourism and antiquities sectors. These include widespread looting and destruction of historical sites such as Meroe and Naqa, and major museums like the National Museum in the capital, Khartoum, where golden artifacts and stone statues of great value were stolen, in addition to the smuggling of rare antiquities.

The Need for Collective Action to Restore Sudan’s Tourism Status

Ghada Othman Jawish, an official at the Supreme Council for Culture and Information, confirmed that the ongoing conflict has severely affected tourist and archaeological areas. A number of them have been completely destroyed, including the main museum, which was devastated and looted of its valuable artifacts. “The conflict destroyed vital tourism infrastructure such as hotels and other facilities,” she said.

She believes that efforts must focus on restoring Sudan’s tourism status, rehabilitating tourist areas, and reactivating them so that Sudan can return to its former state. “Everyone must unite for this,” she added, calling for regulations to control access to tourist sites.

Despite the severe impact of the conflict on antiquities and tourism, Sudan’s cultural heritage, antiquities, and history remain preserved in the memory and conscience of the Sudanese people, according to media professional and heritage enthusiast Jidaa Ahmed Al-Sahib.

She noted that selecting Dongola as the Capital of Tourism for 2026 entails many programs that authorities are expected to implement to restore antiquities and tourism in the country. “There are real steps and intensive efforts toward that,” she said, describing the festival as a positive move that supports the return of tourism. She called on everyone to contribute to restoring the country to its former glory by promoting tourist and archaeological sites to attract visitors once again.

The archaeological sites affected by destruction include locations registered as World Heritage Sites, such as Naqa and Musawwarat, as well as burial sites on Sai Island. There has also been active smuggling of antiquities. Offices of the Antiquities Administration in Khartoum were looted, leading to the loss of important central documents and records. In addition, random construction and farming have been observed داخل archaeological sites, and some have been turned into battlefields.