MON ROVIA, LIBERIA – Tensions between motorcyclists and the government of Liberia have reached a boiling point as thousands of commercial riders staged fresh protests on Monday, March 10, 2025, demanding an end to the controversial no-go zone policy. The demonstrations, which began early in the morning, follow weeks of growing unrest over restrictions barring motorbikes and tricycles from Monrovia’s main streets.
At the heart of the riders’ grievances is the government’s decision to enforce a ban preventing commercial motorcyclists from operating in key areas of the capital. Protesters argue that the policy threatens their livelihoods and unfairly punishes the entire sector for the actions of a few. Despite a previous mass demonstration and formal petitions to the National Legislature and foreign embassies, including the U.S. Embassy, the government has refused to reverse the ban.
Leading the charge is Troon Gray, a prominent figure in the motorcyclists’ movement, who has taken to social media to amplify their demands. “We motorcyclists are humans and Liberians too. The government cannot deny us access to our livelihood and expect us to remain silent. Just give us jobs and take the bikes,” Gray declared in a post. In a direct appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Gray vowed to sustain the protest until the policy is overturned, stating, “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.
The protests come against the backdrop of a fatal accident on February 19, 2025, that heightened public outrage. A speeding sewage tanker lost control on the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, killing a motorcyclist and his passenger. Eyewitnesses blamed the accident on traffic congestion caused by a police checkpoint near the bridge. The tragedy has fueled accusations that the government’s enforcement measures are creating dangerous conditions rather than improving public safety.
In response to the growing backlash, the Motorcyclists and Tricyclists Union condemned the no-go zone policy, describing it as an indiscriminate crackdown that jeopardizes the livelihoods of over 350,000 Liberians who rely on commercial riding. The union argued that while some riders may act recklessly, banning all motorcyclists from the city is an excessive response that will push thousands into unemployment and poverty.
“We urge the government to prosecute lawbreakers rather than impose a blanket ban on an entire workforce,” the union stated during a recent press conference. They also accused certain politicians, including lawmakers Saah Foko and Doson Sebo, of using the crisis to advance their political agendas.
Amid the escalating tension, the civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has taken legal action to challenge the government’s policy. On March 10, 2025, STAND filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Liberia on behalf of the National Keke and Motorbike Riders Welfare and Advocacy Organization (NAKEMOR). The petition, submitted to Justice in Chambers Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, seeks to overturn the no-go zone policy and demands the immediate return of confiscated motorbikes and tricycles.
Represented by its Chief Executive Officer Mulbah K. Morlu and legal counsel Cllr. Sayma Cyrenius Cephus, STAND is asking the Supreme Court to issue a Writ of Prohibition against the government. The petition targets key government officials, including Minister of Justice and Attorney General Oswald Tweh, Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah, and Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman. It calls for lifting the restrictions, halting bike seizures, and ensuring the rights of licensed riders under Article 13 of the 1986 Constitution and the Vehicle and Traffic Law of Liberia.
“The government’s actions violate the basic rights of these riders to freedom of movement and economic survival,” STAND argued in the petition. “We are asking the Court to restore these fundamental rights and prevent further harm to thousands of Liberians.”
