The Government of Liberia maintains that it will enforce restrictions imposed on commercial motorcyclists, come what may, to ensure public safety.
By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, March 13, 2025/ The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), has warned protesting Motorcyclist and Civil Society organizations against engaging in lawlessness while advocating for the lifting of the no-go zone restriction on commercial motorcyclists.
The warning follows recent demonstrations by the Liberia Motorcycle Union (LMU) and a petition from the Solidarity and Trust for New Day (STAND) to the Supreme Court, seeking the removal of the ban that prevents commercial motorcyclists from operating in central Monrovia.
On Monday, March 10, 2025, LMU staged its second protest, urging the government to reconsider its stance on the restriction. Following the demonstration, STAND officially petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing that the ban unfairly punishes commuters who rely on motorcycle transportation. The organization further asserted that the restriction has negatively impacted the livelihoods of thousands of motorcyclists.
In response, the government reiterated its position, emphasizing that the restriction would remain in effect until further assessments are conducted to evaluate security risks and public safety concerns in the affected areas. Authorities cited a recent incident where motorcyclists engaged in violent acts, prompting the reinforcement of the restrictions.
Despite the government’s firm stance, the LMU proceeded with its second protest, which escalated into violence and resulted in the severe injury of a police officer. The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor.
Addressing the protest and STAND’s petition at MICAT’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Deputy Information Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel O. Sanoe stressed that the government would not tolerate disorderly conduct.
“The government will never entertain lawlessness, particularly when individuals attempt to assume authority that is not theirs,” Sanoe stated.
He reaffirmed that the ban was implemented for public safety reasons and clarified that commercial motorcyclists are still permitted to operate in designated areas outside central Monrovia.
“So, are you saying to us that these bikes were bought only to operate in central Monrovia? There are other areas where you can work and make a living,” he said.
Sanoe also criticized STAND for distorting facts and inciting violence under the guise of activism in its petition to the Supreme Court.
“You cannot call yourself a civil society organization while misrepresenting facts and inciting unrest,” he asserted. “We appreciate those who are genuinely advocating for civil rights, but if you want to be a politician, we will treat you like one.”
The deputy minister further argued that some of those calling themselves activists had previously supported a government that contributed to the country’s deterioration of governance over the past six years.
“While we are here trying to rebuild the country, they are inciting violence under the guise of civil society organizations,” he remarked.
Sanoe cited Ghana and other African nations as examples of countries that uphold strict regulations for public order, noting that individuals who admire such orderliness often criticize similar measures in Liberia.
Despite opposition, he maintained that the government’s decisions would be enforced and that no amount of criticism would deter authorities from assessing security risks posed by the situation.
“These civil society organizations must understand that the government is in charge, and once measures are taken, they will be enforced, no matter what,” he concluded.
