Sudan University reports $258 million in war losses and campus mass graves
February 7, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan University of Science and Technology sustained losses estimated at $258 million following an invasion of its campuses by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a university official said on Saturday.
The war, which began in mid-April 2023, has caused extensive damage to both public and private sectors across the country.
Abdul Azim al-Mahal, the university’s deputy vice-chancellor, told Sudan Tribune that the conflict destroyed all the university’s laboratories. He estimated the loss of the 300 laboratories at $220 million, excluding other damages.
Mahal said a rare nuclear chemistry laboratory in the College of Science was destroyed by the RSF. He suggested that paramilitary members likely died as a result of the destruction and exposure. Following the entry of the army into the area, specialized authorities inspected the site and found no remaining nuclear radiation. The laboratory has since been removed, though Mahal noted it would be difficult and expensive to replace.
The university official reported the loss of 5,000 computers and 50 new dental chairs that were awaiting installation in the medical complex. More than 27 electrical transformers were stolen, alongside a systematic looting of copper, timber, and office furniture. Mahal added that when RSF members found no fuel for fires at the College of Forestry, they burned the college library and musical instruments.
Despite the scale of the damage, Mahal described government support as very weak, though he noted promises of additional aid in the future. The university formed committees early in the conflict to assess losses and preserve remaining assets. Rehabilitation is currently underway at nine of the university’s 10 campuses, where the first round of January 2026 exams is being held.
The university has received 10 solar power stations from Nile Petroleum and purchased eight others, but it still requires funding to replace the 27 stolen transformers.
Regarding the presence of bodies on university grounds, Mahal said the RSF used land designated for a medical complex hospital near Obaid Khatim Street to bury the dead in both individual and mass graves. He estimated that more than 1,000 bodies are buried at the site.
The forensic medicine authority was notified of the graves but requested 150 million Sudanese pounds to relocate the remains. Mahal said this amount exceeds the university’s financial capacity and appealed to government and private entities for assistance in clearing the land for future construction.
Students have launched initiatives to help rebuild the university, including restoring the campus mosque and health unit. Mahal noted that various colleges are also leveraging international and regional partnerships to aid reconstruction, while alumni are being encouraged to contribute through dedicated bank accounts.