The standoff between motorcyclists and the Liberian government continues to intensify as thousands of commercial riders prepare for another major protest against the government’s controversial no-go zone policy. Scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, the demonstration marks the second round of mass protests, with over 75,000 riders expected to take part.
Last week, Monrovia witnessed a massive turnout as motorcyclists flooded the streets to demand the reversal of the government’s decision to ban them from key areas in the capital. The protestors argue that the policy unfairly targets their livelihoods, depriving them of their primary source of income, and they have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed.
Troon Gray, a prominent leader in the movement, took to social media to voice his frustration, expressing the injustice many motorcyclists felt. “We motorcyclists are humans and Liberians too. The government cannot deny us access to our livelihood and expect us to remain silent,” Gray posted. “Just give us jobs and take the bikes.”
In a direct appeal to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr., Gray issued a firm warning: “Enough is enough. You can keep the bikes the police illegally seized. We are coming for jobs—starting Monday, March 10, 2025, at 6 AM.” He also outlined the planned protest route, which will begin at ELWA Junction and proceed to the Capitol Building.
As the protest gains momentum, the Liberia National Police (LNP) is under increasing scrutiny for its role in enforcing the no-go zone policy. The Motorcyclists and Tricyclists Union (MTU) has condemned the policy, arguing that it is an opportunistic crackdown that punishes all motorcyclists for the actions of a few, while doing little to address the root causes of road safety concerns.
The controversy surrounding the policy deepened after a fatal traffic accident on February 19, 2025, on the Gabriel Tucker Bridge. A speeding sewage tanker lost control and collided with a motorcyclist and his passenger, killing both. Many blame the LNP’s frequent roadblocks for contributing to the accident, as police checkpoints on the bridge are believed to have worsened traffic congestion, making it harder for drivers to maneuver safely.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker, traveling from Johnson Street to Bushrod Island, was speeding when it lost control. The driver swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision but tragically struck the motorcyclist and his passenger. Both victims were rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, while the tanker driver was taken into police custody.
Frustrated residents have pointed to the proliferation of police checkpoints as a major issue, claiming they are causing unnecessary traffic jams and increasing the risk of accidents. “There’s no war in this country, yet police checkpoints are everywhere even in residential areas,” one resident said. “These unnecessary roadblocks are making our roads more dangerous.”
The MTU has pushed back against the government’s sweeping policy, arguing that while reckless behavior among some riders should be addressed, punishing the entire motorcycling community is neither fair nor effective. “Commercial motorcycles and tricycles provide one of the most affordable and accessible modes of transportation in Monrovia,” the union stated in a press release. “Banning us from the capital will severely impact mobility and push thousands into economic hardship.”
The union estimates that over 350,000 Liberians rely on commercial motorcycling for their livelihoods, supporting families, paying school fees, and contributing to the local economy. They warn that the blanket ban could push many into unemployment and exacerbate economic struggles.
“It would be unfair to hold all motorcyclists responsible for the actions of a few,” the statement continued. “We urge the government to prosecute lawbreakers rather than impose a blanket ban on an entire workforce.”
Further complicating the situation, the MTU has accused some politicians of using the crisis for personal gain. Specifically, the union has called out lawmakers Saah Foko and Dixon Sebo, claiming they have manipulated public unrest following the fatal accident to further their political agendas. “We strongly believe that some individuals are using this tragedy for political motives,” the union said. “We have seen attempts to use this situation to discredit our organization.”
