Home of Sudanese Family Daubed with Racist Graffiti

A Sudanese woman whose home was targeted by racist graffiti has said she will not leave her home in Londonderry.

The words “only local” Let the symbol of cross hair, scattered – where Ahmed and Asina live with two of the four children.

Police are treating the incident at the fountain as a revenge-motivated hate crime.

“I would be happy to stay here. This fountain is our first choice and we will stay,” MS Ahmed told BBC NI.

The family moved to the area in December 2024 when they arrived in Northern Ireland.

“Because I came from the airport, we were transferred directly to the fountain. We never lived anywhere. We just moved to the house,” ms Awak in another area.

“We have done our best to be part of the community here.

“There are good people here who support us.”

MS Ahmed saw the graffiti on his way to catch the bus to school.

“He called me and said come and see what’s written on the wall. When I came out, I saw the word ‘Dai,'” he said.

“I consider myself a local, we’ve never experienced anything like this.”

Ms Ahmed said her son was crying when she called, adding “it scared me”.

Professor Preveric Jaman Jasette, who runs the Cathedral’s youth club, said he was “saddened and shocked”.

“These families are important to our community and are involved with our programs here,” she said.

“Hala and her family are an asset to the community. The person who did this should serve Hala and her family.”

The North West Girlants Forum (NWMF) said it would do everything it could to support the families and harm politicians to “condemn this appalling act”.

Foyc sdlp cp colum Eastwood described the incident as “hateful”.

“People who have come to our city, are raising their families here, contributing to their community and doing their best to make a life for themselves deserve to live in peace,” Eastwood said.

Those responsible, he added, “must be held accountable for the shocking attempt to shock this family”.

Police said they believe the damage happened overnight, and are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or recorded it on dash-cam or cctv.

Inspector Michael GAHA described it as “completely unacceptable”.

“Everyone deserves to live without fear or dread,” he said.

Local campaign group has racism (uar) condemned graffiti as “threatening”.

Spokesson Karen McCole said that it does not involve the region or the city.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with this family, they’re great people who give everything they can to the community,” Ms McCole said.

“Derry is a place where people are treated no matter where they are from.”