The Sudanese literary community is mourning the death of Muhammad Khair Abdallah, the renowned novelist and journalist whose passing in Kosti on February 22, 2025, from cholera, brought deep sorrow to the nation. His final words — brief yet haunting — marked the end of a life dedicated to storytelling and culture.
Known for his humility, warmth, and respect for others, Abdallah was more than a writer; he was a mentor and a friend to many. His colleagues, including Professor Siddig Al-Sayed and Nasradin Abdel-Qadir, described him as a man who believed that literature could uplift society, create peaceful coexistence, and build a more just nation.
Abdallah’s body of work spanned novels, short stories, and biographies that enriched Sudanese and Arab literature. Titles such as The Passion of the Soul, Memoirs of a Dead Poet, and The Novel of Abd’s Wedding are counted among his important contributions. His stories, some translated into French and English, carried Sudanese voices to the wider world.
At his memorial in Kosti, friends and admirers recalled his humanity as much as his literary achievements. They spoke of his ever-present smile, his humility, and his constant encouragement of youth, describing him as a rare model of a writer whose life touched hearts as much as his words.