Sultan Kejab, a man from the essence of beauty
The Face of Truth: Sultan Kejab, a man from the essence of beauty
Ibrahim Shglawi
Our distinguished hero, Abdul Majid Sultan Mohamed Saleh Kejab, was a breeze that filled places with optimism and proudly defied challenges. He was the delight and charm of gatherings, reconciled with himself and those around him. His neighborhood was secure and hopeful; he would alarm the elders and be gentle with the young. Humor, kindness, and a beautiful spirit were always spoken of wherever he went. Wherever he set foot, he left his mark on the place, both with his presence and ideas. Born in 1955 in the village of Al-Ghaba in Northern State, where the Nile, the tanbour (a traditional instrument), and people who excel in crafting history and befriending the moon, he stood out early on.
From a young age, Kejab excelled in swimming, which took him to great heights. He participated in many local, regional, and international championships, winning numerous distinguished awards. He founded the first swimming school in Sudan in 1975, which graduated more than 40,000 youths who helped revitalize this enjoyable sport, which had been recommended by the ancestors.
Sultan Kejab studied at Cairo University’s Khartoum branch, majoring in Sociology in the Faculty of Arts. He had many fond and humorous moments, well known by those around him. One famous story told by his classmates, and he was a classmate of dozens of cohorts despite the fact that the program lasted only four years, reflects how he maintained his close connections with fellow students both during and after his studies. It was said that Dr. Samuel, a sociology professor at the university, would begin his lectures with: “Greetings to you, my students, and a special greeting to my colleague Kejab.” This greeting was a playful nod to the fact that Dr. Samuel had seen him in the lecture hall for years, always present in the place he loved, making his stay there seem almost permanent.
His classmates enjoyed his presence and were encouraged by his booming voice, striking appearance, and tall stature. Choosing to study sociology seemed to stem from his desire to connect with people, life, and the challenges of societal progress. This enriching and unique academic experience reflected his social and political project aimed at reform and rebuilding society. His study of sociology opened the door to mastering social and political relationships, and he succeeded in this to the point of competing for the presidency in the 1996 elections. He achieved a notable position against his rivals, but he didn’t secure the chance to lead the government, as the competition was tough and required strong party backing.
In 1988, the country faced severe food shortages due to a lack of rain. Kejab played a role in drawing the world’s attention to the humanitarian situation in the country. He organized visits for international figures and humanitarian organizations to refugee camps, offering much-needed support to Sudan. He also made significant contributions to radio programs, particularly in “Morning Breezes,” hosted by the late Leila Al-Maghribi on Sudanese radio. He was honored by the presidency during President Al-Bashir’s rule, along with a group of athletes, poets, and artists.
Abdul Majid Sultan Kejab was a symbol of our national unity, which has sadly begun to crumble without awareness or attention. May Allah have mercy on Sultan Kejab, as much as he loved people and they loved him, and as much as he loved this country, hoping to celebrate with his people after liberation from this aggressor militia that does not belong to this place, time, or history.
Therefore, the truth remains that we must all move toward supporting peace and security and strengthening the pillars of national unity. We must also transcend exclusionary and hateful discourse to make this country a place among the rising, stable nations, built by its people and their determination. We must work to close the door and block the path to regional and international ambitions and unify our ranks and objectives for the sake of Sudan, just as our fallen hero Sultan Abdul Majid Mohamed Saleh Kejab aspired to. May Allah forgive him, have mercy on him, and grant him the highest place in paradise. May his grave be a garden from the gardens of paradise, and may He bless his family and loved ones. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.
Condolences to all the people of Sudan who loved him and whom he loved, to athletes everywhere, and to some politicians who know how to safeguard nations.
Stay well and in good health.
Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Shglawi55@gmail.com