The Janjaweed are selling the Mahdi’s robe for $200 on eBay
Sudan Events – Agencies
The museum, which houses artifacts from every Sudanese civilization, some dating back to the Stone Age, is located in a part of Khartoum currently controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been fighting the national army since April 2023. In the early months of the war, RSF fighters were filmed tampering with another museum under their control: the M Bioheln Laboratory for Biological Archaeology, which contains human skeletons dating back to 3000 BC.
In the early months of the war, RSF fighters were filmed tampering with another museum under their control: the M Bioheln Laboratory for Biological Archaeology.
Earlier this year, historical artifacts from the National Museum began appearing for sale online.
A piece of Mahdist-era clothing from the 19th century was listed on eBay for $200. A group of artifact dealers expressed willingness to accept US dollars, causing widespread outrage when it was revealed that the RSF had looted the museum.
Sudanese researcher and author Reem Abbas stated: “The RSF’s targeting of museums, cultural centers, universities, and research institutions is an attempt to destroy Sudan’s cultural heritage, which serves as a lifeline and memory for the people.” She added, “It is a direct attack on Sudanese identity and part of the crimes committed by these forces.”
In Darfur, where the RSF has been accused of numerous genocide-related crimes, this targeting seems like a deliberate assault on Black Sudanese people.
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Caption on the eBay listing photo:
“Mahdist robe from Sudan, dating back to the late 19th century, listed for sale on eBay for $200.
