News / Politics
Sudan-born councillor says tragedies ‘cannot be exploited to spread hatred’
A Bristol councillor who grew up in Sudan says “we should be careful not to allow those who seek to exploit tragedies for political purposes to spread division, hostility or hatred”.
Mohamed Makawi has responded to the recent events in Belfast which has seen two nights of rioting prompted by a serious knife attack carried out by a 30-year-old man originally from Sudan.
Bristol’s political leaders also say they are “standing together” in the wake of unrest in Northern Ireland and Southampton, and have reaffirmed their commitment to unity and inclusion.
In a statement, Makawi, a Green Party councillor for Cotham, said: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific knife attack in Belfast on Monday night.
“My thoughts are with the victim, his loved ones and all those affected, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“Violent crime must be met with the full force of the law, and anyone responsible should be held fully accountable.
“It is important to remember that one individual does not represent an entire community.
“As a Sudanese-born councillor, I know many within the Sudanese community who are appalled by this attack and stand firmly with the victim.
“We should be careful not to allow those who seek to exploit tragedies for political purposes to spread division, hostility or hatred.
“History has shown that blaming entire communities for the actions of individuals solves nothing and only deepens social tensions.
“We should focus on justice, supporting the victim, and maintaining community safety and unity.
“We stand with the victim and his family, we stand against all forms of violence, prejudice and hatred, and we stand together against attempts to divide our communities.”
A joint statement signed by representatives of all major political parties on Bristol City Council also comes amid growing concern over incidents that have sparked anxiety across our city with people “made to feel unsafe”.
The leaders said that the recent attacks in Belfast and Southampton are committed “by individuals, not communities” and that “no community should be singled out or targeted as a result”.
“We strongly oppose any attempt to use these incidents as opportunities to spread hate and division,” they say.
“This is wrong, and we oppose anyone seeking to promote fear, hostility or discrimination, in our communities or anywhere else.”
Two small demonstrations were recently held in Bristol following the murder of Henry Nowak – photo: Rob Browne
The group strongly condemned the violent attack in Belfast, with Hadi Alodid arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie; and also addressed the murder of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa and the disorder that followed in Southampton.
Bristol24/7 reported that a vigil following Nowak’s death was met with a counter-protest to challenge what some described as attempts to spread “racist myth and bigotry” around the tragedy.
The cross-party statement was signed by Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council; Jos Clark, Liberal Democrats group leader; Emma Edwards, Green group leader; Tom Renhard, Labour group leader; and Mark Weston, Conservatives group leader.
It read: “We know this tragic death and the subsequent unrest has caused upset and concern in our communities.
“These acts and others like them are committed by individuals, not communities. No community should be singled out or targeted as a result.
“We strongly oppose any attempt to use these incidents as opportunities to spread hate and division.
“This is wrong, and we oppose anyone seeking to promote fear, hostility or discrimination, in our communities or anywhere else.
“Bristol is a place where everyone is welcome. Together, we stand united against hate in all its forms.
“We are committed to supporting inclusive, respectful and safe communities for everyone.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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