Death of Sheikh Hamidou Kane: "The brotherhood of the awakened loses a compass," according to Aliou Sow

The Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, author of "Ambiguous Adventure," has passed away. The former Minister of Culture and Historical Heritage, Professor Aliou Sow, pays him a moving tribute in a statement.

“A giant of Africa, a great African pride, a beautiful embodiment of Black African genius has just left us!” he wrote. He prayed that the Lord would grant the grieving Black world and friends of Africa “the faith and strength needed in such painful circumstances.”

Aliou Sow mentions courtesy and working visits to the writer in 2023, accompanied by Minister Abdou Karim Fofana, a neighbor of Cheikh Hamidou Kane. According to him, Fofana had "drawn the Republic's attention to its duties" towards the author. The Director of Books and Reading and several members of his staff were also present.

On August 16, 2023, the former minister recalled presenting him, at his home, with the accolades of the President's Prize for Literature: a check and symbols. The distinction had been awarded to him exceptionally and outside of the competition, for his entire body of work.

“I had the immense pleasure and particular honor of delivering a message from President Macky Sall to him,” recalls Aliou Sow. The ceremony took place in the presence of several former ministers, members of his extended family.

"A perfect harmony" between urban and rural life

The former minister retains the image of a man who remained radiant despite his age. "Almost a centenarian, his elegance, his eloquence, his refined manner perfectly in harmony with his beautiful rural origins, remained as vibrant as at the height of his fame with the publication of 'Ambiguous Adventure,'" he testifies. He adds that everything was evident in the writer's response to his message: "His posture, his gestures, and his gaze."

UVS became UN-CHK

Aliou Sow also recalled Macky Sall's desire to celebrate individuals for the magnitude of their contributions to humanity. The Head of State had requested that a major state institution be named after him. The Virtual University of Senegal (UVS) thus became the Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University (UN-CHK). President Sall had decided, in a Council of Ministers meeting, to replace the term "virtual," which he considered "less prestigious," with "digital."

Aliou Sow concluded by expressing a wish: "May his ability to unite his compatriots and Senegal's partners around 'Goodness', 'Beauty', and 'Excellence' inspire the leaders, intellectuals, and youth of Africa."