M-FOMTUL Craves Policy Changes in the Motorcycle Sector

Monrovia, Liberia: The Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia have come up strongly in condemnation of the Wednesday, February 19, 2025, violent incidents involving a group of commercial motorcyclists in the Central Monrovia corridor.

M-FOMTUL has dissociated itself from the unlawful actions, reiterating its commitment to the rule-of-law and calling for the much-needed reform policy to address ongoing challenges in the sector.

The group also denounced the acts of vandalism and destruction carried out by some motorcyclists who dismantled police’s checkpoints and destroyed police station booths at Catholic Junction and other parts of the city. 

The Union emphasized that such actions harm the reputation of law-abiding riders who rely on commercial bikes for their livelihoods.

"The Liberia National Police (LNP) plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety, and we do not condone any form of lawlessness. We sincerely apologize to the LNP for the unfortunate incident and urge all riders to operate within the bounds of the law," M-FOMTUL stated.

M-FOMTUL’s statement is prompted by a tragic accident on the Gabriel Tucker Bridge in Central Monrovia in the early morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, which claimed the lives of a motorcyclist and a passenger after a speeding sewage tanker lost control and veered off the road.

The fatal car crash has ignited overwhelming outrage among motorcyclists and residents, who blame the Liberia National Police (LNP) for the growing number of checkpoints across the capital.

According to eyewitnesses, the sewage tanker was traveling from Johnson Street headed towards Bushrod Island when the operator lost control, apparently due to break failure. 

In a daring attempt to avoid further tragedy, he swerved and instead fatally smashed into the motorcycle.

"The truck was coming downhill at high speed. It lost control and swerved in the same direction as the motorcycle. The impact was so severe that it crushed his head," a witness narrated.

Annoyed residents of the Slipway Community and commercial motorcyclists have attributed the accident to the increasing number of police checkpoints in Monrovia, which they say create unnecessary roadblocks and force drivers into sudden, risky maneuvers.

"There's no war, yet police checkpoints are everywhere—even near people's homes," one resident complained.

Motorcyclists claim that a checkpoint near the Gabriel Tucker Bridge may have played a role in the accident, arguing that without it, the truck could have continued without the need for sudden braking and swerving.

"If that checkpoint wasn't there, the truck wouldn't have had to swerve. The police are setting up too many checkpoints for reasons only they know," an aggrieved motorcyclist said.

Kelvin Eben Reeves, a witness to the crash, described the horrifying aftermath: "Two men were assumed to be dead by those of us close to the scene, based on how lifeless they were lying. Probably one survived."

In the wake of the incident, motorcyclists accuse the police of prioritizing roadblocks over traffic safety.

"These unnecessary checkpoints cause daily traffic congestion, disrupt people's movements, and threaten livelihoods," one motorcyclist lamented.

A few minutes after the unfortunate accident, a truck carrying riot police arrived at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that police forcibly removed some motorcyclists from their bikes, confiscated their motorcycles, and transported them to LNP headquarters.

Motorcyclists cautioned the police against what they describe as harassment and unlawful confiscation of their motorcycles, warning that such actions could provoke widespread resistance.

In this light, M-FOMTUL is urging the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that their response to these incidents is fair and does not penalize innocent motorcyclists. 

The union President John Kenyon warned that a complete ban on motorcycles in Monrovia would have devastating economic consequences, as over 350,000 young men depend on commercial biking for their livelihoods.

He highlighted that motorcycle riders support their families financially, pay school fees for their children and siblings, Cover medical expenses and daily living costs, and contribute to community development through their earnings

"The vast majority of these riders are hardworking and law-abiding individuals who do not engage in criminal activities or violent protests. It would be unfair to generalize and hold all motorcyclists accountable for the actions of a few," Kenyon emphasized.

M-FOMTUL also expressed concern over the growing trend of political actors using motorcyclists for unlawful protests and riots. The union maintained its neutral stance and urged political parties to refrain from manipulating motorcycles for personal agendas.

"We believe that some individuals were misled and manipulated by external forces aiming to tarnish the image of all motorcycle riders. This is unacceptable and must stop immediately," the union stated.

To prevent future incidents and ensure a peaceful working environment, M-FOMTUL has proposed education and awareness campaigns. Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns to educate motorcyclists on the importance of following the law and avoiding violent protests, among others. 

M-FOMTUL further assured motorcyclists that it is working closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Justice, and Okadamotor Liberia to organize a nationwide training workshop aimed at improving the professionalism and safety of riders.

The union called on all commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, urging them not to be used by individuals with selfish political motives.

"As responsible leaders, we appeal to the Government of Liberia and the LNP to find a peaceful resolution to this situation. We also urge law enforcement to take a fair and just approach that does not punish innocent riders," M-FOMTUL stated.

Meanwhile, the LNP, following the incident, announced an immediate ban on motorcyclists from plying the main corridor between Boulevard to Central Monrovia and Free Port to Monrovia.

The ban, which came into effect on Thursday, February 20, 2025, was announced by Police Deputy Inspector General for Operation, Cllr. Nelson Freeman.

According to Cllr. Freeman, the ban action formed part of a larger plan to address security concerns and ensure public safety within the city limit.

The LNP has stated that the action of aggrieved motorcyclists by removing checkpoints and dismantling police booths across the city is unacceptable.

The Deputy Police Chief for Operation bemoans the increased in incidents involving motorcyclist’s accidents and criminal activities in Monrovia       

Cllr. Freeman maintained that the ban will remain in place until motorcyclists in the affected places adhere to security protocol.