Outrage Grows Over the Expansion of War in Historical Areas
moatinoon
Angry reactions have escalated regarding the entry of Rapid Support Forces into the historical sites of Al-Nuqra and Al-Musawarat, located in the Nile River State in the north of the country, with battles erupting nearby between the warring parties.
The Sudanese human rights organization "Emergency Lawyers" joined the "Regional Network for Cultural Rights" in Sudan to condemn the entry of Rapid Support Forces into the historical sites, located 45 kilometers south of Shendi city in the Nile River State.
In a statement, "Emergency Lawyers" warned that the images showing the deployment of elements from the Rapid Support Forces armed at the Al-Nuqra and Al-Musawarat sites on social media represent "new steps within the declared plans of the Rapid Support Forces to expand the scope of military operations." They pledged to follow the news of battles near the historical sites and verify them accurately.
They pointed out that the Hague Convention concerning the protection of cultural property during armed conflicts obliges conflicting parties to refrain from using cultural property, means dedicated to its protection, or directly adjacent places for purposes that may expose them to destruction or damage.
While condemning the deployment of Rapid Support Forces within these archaeological sites, which exposes them to danger and holds them responsible for the safety of these historical sites, the Sudanese Armed Forces warned against treating these sites as military targets. They called on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to play its role in protecting and preserving Sudans World Heritage sites by urging both parties to ensure that all archaeological and historical sites in Sudan are not harmed.
The "Regional Network for Cultural Rights" had earlier warned of the danger of damage to the artifacts of the Kingdom of Kush, which is over 2300 years old, due to the ongoing battles. It added that the Rapid Support Forces entered the archaeological site for the second time on Sunday after entering it for the first time on December 3.
The human rights organization, quoting "reliable sources and images and videos posted on social media," confirmed that a military battle occurred between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, endangering these sites with sabotage, destruction, looting, and theft.
The Al-Nuqra and Al-Musawarat sites are among the most important historical sites listed on the World Heritage List in Sudan, containing statues, artifacts, and shrines dating back to the Meroitic period (350 BC to 350 AD).
The "Save Sudanese Heritage Initiative," which calls for the rescue and preservation of Sudanese heritage, was the first to reveal the appearance of armed men affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces in the "Al-Nuqra" archaeological area in the Nile River State.
It urged all parties to avoid civilians, civilian property in general, archaeological sites, and artifacts from the destructive consequences of war. It also appealed to the "United Nations" and the "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)" to intervene urgently to stop the war, protect civilians, and preserve Sudanese archaeological sites.
