Monrovia – Liberia: Hundreds of motorcyclists took to the streets of Central Monrovia in protest against new regulations restricting their movement, causing traffic congestion in the area.
The Liberia National Police imposed these regulations, aiming to declare Monrovia and other regions as “no-go zones” for commercial motorcycle riding, a move met with strong opposition from the affected riders.
The aggrieved motorcyclists, fearing the impact on their livelihoods, stormed the Capitol Building seeking intervention from lawmakers.
They argue that the proposed regulations infringe upon their constitutional right to freedom of movement and threaten their sole means of income.
Expressing frustration over the government’s alleged disregard for their concerns, the protesters vowed to resist any enforcement of the regulations, highlighting their reliance on motorcycle riding for sustenance.
They criticized a purported agreement between a faction of motorcyclists and the government, denouncing it as a betrayal.
Amidst these tensions, concerns over rising crime involving motorcycle-riding assailants have escalated.
The recent murder of Amanda Nebo, a young woman, at Barnesville junction has intensified calls for action to address both security challenges and the grievances of the motorcycle-riding community.
As the standoff continues, the government faces mounting pressure to find a resolution that balances public safety with the economic needs of the motorcyclists.
