Tension is mounting in Liberia as the Supreme Motorcycle Transport Union of Liberia (SUMTUL) vehemently challenges what it considers an “unconstitutional ban” on motorcycle operations. During a press conference held today, SUMTUL leaders, stakeholders, and cyclists expressed their frustration with the government’s restrictive measures and sharply criticized lawmakers for neglecting the rights of the very people who helped put them in power.
SUMTUL leaders, alongside Hon. Mulbah K. Morlu, CEO of STAND, and with support from the National Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Association of Liberia (NAFOMTAL), denounced the ban as a direct infringement on their rights and livelihoods. They praised Morlu’s commitment to justice but voiced harsh criticism of lawmakers whom they accuse of abandoning the very citizens who empowered them.
“It is deeply saddening to see those who benefited from our support now ignore our plight,” said a SUMTUL spokesperson. “This is not just about motorcycles; it’s about the abuse of our fundamental rights.”
The press conference also brought to light concerning allegations against the Liberia National Police (LNP). Cyclists claimed that 35% of impounded motorcycles have mysteriously vanished, with reports of officers allegedly taking bikes from parking lots and transporting them to undisclosed locations. Even more troubling were accounts of masked police officers making arrests without proper identification, a tactic SUMTUL leaders described as a “criminal act.” The union called for intervention from the Justice Ministry and lawmakers, warning that the situation could escalate into larger conflicts if not addressed.
“Our police officers are acting like rebels, brutalizing and even killing motorcyclists under the guise of enforcing a ‘No-Go Zone’ regulation,” the union said in a statement. “These actions represent gross human rights violations.”
In a scathing attack on internal corruption, SUMTUL accused certain union taskforce members of collaborating with police to unlawfully arrest and detain motorcyclists. The union specifically targeted Rev. J. Luther Tarpeh, accusing him of trying to buy silence among cyclists by offering LRD 25,000 to undermine their collective struggle.
“Instead of using his position as the Unity Party Chairman to advocate for justice, Mr. Tarpeh is mocking our people with handouts,” SUMTUL leaders said. “This evil plan will not succeed. We will challenge these abuses legally.”
In a display of defiance and solidarity, SUMTUL announced plans for a mass peaceful protest on April 15, 2025, with cyclists from across Liberia expected to converge on Montserrado County. They also called on supporters to gather on March 17, 2025, at the Supreme Court for the first hearing on the controversial ban.
“This is a fight for justice, and we call on all cyclists to stand with us,” said George G. Williams Sr., Secretary General of SUMTUL. “We seek not conflict, but the restoration of our rights.”
