Workshop on protecting cultural heritage during conflict: Lessons from Sudan

What can be learnt from Sudan's efforts to protect cultural heritage during war? This was the central question at a recent workshop in Cairo, where researchers, heritage professionals and practitioners came together to discuss Sudan's ongoing efforts to protect its cultural heritage amid conflict. Participants shared first-hand experiences from efforts to protect cultural heritage during the war in Sudan and discussed how these lessons could inform preparedness planning in other countries facing conflict and instability.

 Researchers, heritage professionals and practitioners gathered in Cairo for a two-day workshop on protecting cultural heritage in times of armed conflict. Organised as part of the project Preparedness for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflict: The Sudan Experience as a Transferable Model, the workshop focused on lessons emerging from the ongoing war in Sudan and discussed how these experiences can inform preparedness efforts in other countries facing conflict and instability.

Discussions highlighted the critical role of local communities in safeguarding cultural heritage when institutions and authorities face severe constraints. Participants emphasised that community engagement, local knowledge and community-based monitoring can be essential in the protection of cultural heritage sites during conflict.

The workshop also examined how the war has transformed the use of cultural heritage sites. Participants reflected on how both local communities and heritage practitioners have adapted and how for example historic sites have had to serve additional functions, including providing shelter for people displaced by conflict. The example of Al-Khandaq featured prominently in discussions about balancing protection, community needs and long-term preservation.