The leadership of the Merged Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Unions of Liberia (M-FOMTUL) has strongly condemned the recent violent protests involving commercial motorcyclists in Monrovia, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution and constructive dialogue with the government.
Speaking to the media, M-FOMTUL President John Kenyor denounced the actions of some motorcyclists who vandalized police booths and dismantled checkpoints around Catholic Junction and other parts of the city.
He clarified that the union was not involved in planning or executing these acts, urging members to remain law-abiding.
Kenyor called on the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia National Police (LNP), to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.
He warned against sweeping punitive measures that could harm innocent riders and their families.
“The removal of all motorcycles from Monrovia would have devastating economic consequences, as thousands of families depend on this sector for survival,” he stated.
To address the situation, M-FOMTUL is advocating for an emergency meeting with the LNP, the Ministry of Transport, and other relevant stakeholders to find a peaceful and lasting solution.
M-FOMTUL also announced a series of measures to improve the professionalism and public perception of commercial motorcyclists including educating riders on the importance of obeying the law and avoiding violent protests and implementing stricter measures to penalize motorcyclists involved in criminal activities or violence.
He added that warning political actors against using motorcyclists for political protests or unlawful activities is also a keen issue to address while enhancing collaboration with the LNP to prevent unnecessary confrontations.
Kenyor emphasized that commercial motorcyclists play a crucial role in Liberia’s economy, providing affordable transportation and employment for over 350,000 young men across the country. Many riders support their families, pay school fees, and contribute to community development.
The M-FOMTUL leadership believes that some individuals exploited the recent unrest for political reasons. “Some of our members were misled by external forces aiming to tarnish the image of all motorcyclists in Monrovia,” Kenyor said. He reaffirmed the union’s neutral stance, rejecting any attempts to use motorcyclists as tools for political violence.
While acknowledging the need for law enforcement to maintain order, Kenyor appealed to the LNP to ensure that their actions are fair and do not unfairly target all commercial motorcyclists.
“As responsible leaders, we urge the police to take a just approach and not punish innocent riders who had no involvement in the incident,” he noted.
