Sudanese Family Vows to Stay After Racist Graffiti

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A Sudanese family living in Londonderry has declared that they will not be driven from their home after racist graffiti was daubed on their property, an incident that has sparked outrage across the local community. The words “local only,” accompanied by a cross hairs symbol, were sprayed overnight on the house where Hala Ahmed, her husband, and two of their four children reside. Police are treating the act as a racially motivated hate crime.

Despite the distressing attack, Ms Ahmed said she and her family are determined to remain in the Fountain estate, where they moved shortly after arriving in Northern Ireland in December 2024. “I will be happy to stay here. The Fountain is our first choice and we are going to stay,” she told BBC News NI. She added that the family had been making every effort to integrate into the local community and expressed gratitude for the support they had received from neighbours.

“We have been doing our best to be part of the community here. There are nice people here who support us,” Ms Ahmed said. She recounted how her daughter was frightened by the incident, saying, “It terrified me” when her child began crying upon seeing the graffiti.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from local community leaders and organisations. Jeanette Warke, who runs the Cathedral Youth Club, expressed her shock at the incident. “This family is so important to our community and are involved with our programmes here. Hala and her family are an asset to the community. The person who did this should meet Hala and her family,” Warke said.

The North West Migrants’ Forum (NWMF) pledged to support the family and called on local politicians to denounce the attack. “We will do all we can to ensure the family feels safe and supported,” the organisation said.

Political figures have also voiced their condemnation. Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood described the graffiti as “hateful” and emphasised that newcomers who contribute positively to the community should be allowed to live in peace. “People who have come to our city, are raising their family here, contributing to their community and doing their best to make a life for themselves deserve to live in peace,” Eastwood said. He added that those responsible “should be held accountable for the disgusting attempt to intimidate this family.”

Gary Middleton, Foyle DUP MLA, echoed these sentiments, calling the incident “an act of cowardly intimidation.” He stressed that such behaviour does not reflect the values of the Fountain community or the wider city. “This behaviour is not reflective of the Fountain community or the wider city. My thoughts are with the Sudanese family affected by this disgusting act. Those responsible certainly do not speak for us,” Middleton said.

Police confirmed that they believe the graffiti was applied overnight and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage to come forward. Inspector Michael Gahan described the act as “completely unacceptable” and stressed that everyone deserves to live free from fear or intimidation.

Local campaign group United Against Racism (UAR) also condemned the graffiti, calling it “threatening” and emphasising that it does not represent the values of the area or the city. Spokesperson Karen McCole said, “I have had the pleasure of meeting this family; they are fantastic people who give all they can back to the community. Derry is a place where people are welcomed no matter where they are from.”

The incident comes as Northern Ireland continues to grapple with issues of racial intolerance and the integration of migrant communities. While the Ahmed family has actively engaged with local initiatives and community programmes, the attack underscores the challenges faced by newcomers who are striving to build a life in areas that have historically experienced tensions around identity and belonging.

Community members have rallied around the Ahmed family, offering support and solidarity in the wake of the graffiti. Neighbours have expressed sympathy and emphasised that the family is a valued part of the community. Local residents have posted messages of encouragement, and some have volunteered to assist with cleaning and repairing the damage to the property.

For Ms Ahmed and her family, the decision to remain in the Fountain estate reflects both resilience and a commitment to contributing positively to the community. She stated, “Since I came from the airport, we moved directly to the Fountain. We have never lived anywhere else. We just recently moved to another house in the area. This is our home, and we are going to stay here.”

The attack has also prompted reflection within local institutions about the measures in place to protect minority and migrant communities from hate crimes. Both police and community organisations have emphasised the importance of vigilance, reporting, and swift response to incidents of intimidation or harassment. The coordinated response to this incident, including public statements from elected officials, law enforcement, and community organisations, demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding safety and inclusivity.

In addition to addressing the immediate concerns of the Ahmed family, the incident has sparked broader discussions about education, tolerance, and social cohesion in the city. Community leaders have highlighted the need for ongoing awareness campaigns, youth engagement programmes, and community dialogue initiatives to prevent similar incidents in the future. The presence of strong local support networks is seen as crucial in fostering an environment where all residents, regardless of background, feel welcome and safe.

Inspector Gahan reiterated that investigations are ongoing and that the police are treating the matter with the highest priority. “We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Hate crimes such as this are taken seriously, and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible,” he said.

The Ahmed family’s story has resonated beyond Londonderry, with social media and local news platforms amplifying their determination to stay in the community despite the intimidation. Many have praised their courage and commitment, framing it as a positive example of resilience in the face of racial prejudice.

In the days following the incident, community initiatives have strengthened, with neighbourhood groups organising events to promote inclusivity and solidarity. Faith-based organisations, youth clubs, and local charities have coordinated efforts to ensure that the Ahmed family and other migrant families feel supported and integrated into the community fabric.

In conclusion, the racist graffiti incident targeting the Ahmed family in Londonderry has been widely condemned by local authorities, political representatives, and community organisations. Despite the intimidation, the family remains resolute in their decision to stay in their home, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to their local community. Police investigations continue, and local leaders are working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the family while addressing broader issues of racial tolerance and community cohesion. The response from the community highlights the importance of solidarity, support, and proactive measures to create inclusive and welcoming environments for all residents, regardless of background.

The Ahmed family’s determination to remain in their home sends a strong message: racist intimidation will not drive them away, and their presence continues to contribute positively to the social and cultural life of Londonderry.