Serious tension is said to be rising as a group of aggrieved motorcyclists in the streets of Paynesville has threatened unspecified actions throughout the city if the Liberia National Police (LNP) does not lift the ban imposed on them.
The ban, which restricts motorcyclists from operating in certain areas of the capital, precisely from Boulevard to Central Monrovia and from Freeport to Central Monrovia has sparked outrage among riders who argue that it infringes on their livelihoods and mobility.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the LNP once again announced a new “no-go-zone” restriction for motorcyclists operating in key areas of Monrovia, aiming to restore order and ensure public safety.
It follows the day after a violent protest erupted; during which motorcyclists were seen destroying police checkpoints and demanding justice for their grievances following the death of one of their colleagues who was involved in an incident with a truck.
The restrictions, which encompass the stretch from Boulevard Junction to Central Monrovia and from Freeport to Central Monrovia, according to the police, will remain in effect until motorcyclists in the affected areas comply with established security measures.
But the aggrieved cyclists, during a mass meeting over the weekend at the Voker Mission School in Paynesville, expressed their deep disappointment and opposition to the government’s decision, stating that they are unable to earn a living while operating in communities.
“We are not criminals and violent people; we are just trying to make a living as such, the police should work with us to find solutions instead of punishing us all for the actions of a few. We are ready to take to the streets if they do not lift this ban,” a bike rider, James Kpah, noted.
Buttressing Kpah’s assertion, several of his colleagues expressed their frustration, thus promising to begin organizing themselves into groups to discuss potential protest actions, including sit-ins and marches, to demand the lifting of the No Go Zone ban in the coming days.
The group then warned the government, “Again, if the LNP, does not lift the ban, there will be unspecified protest actions throughout Monrovia. We are ready to stand up for our rights and freedom.” “We are human beings and have the right to freely assemble. So, if the police does not listen to us, we will take our message to the streets peacefully in line with the constitution because it is our right, and we want to be heard, and we want our livelihoods restored,” they added.
