-As Commercial Motorcyclists Return to Central Monrovia
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – The Liberia National Police (LNP)-imposed no-go zone restrictions on commercial motorcyclists appear to be failing, as recent weeks have seen a steady return of motorcycle operations along key corridors—including Benson Street, Carey Street, UN Drive, and other parts of central Monrovia—as of June 17, 2025.
The LNP officially commenced the enforcement of its No-Go-Zone restrictions for motorcycles in central Monrovia on May 7, 2024. Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman had informed the public that the purpose of the “NO GO ZONE” restriction was to improve traffic flow and public safety by addressing hazards posed by unregulated motorcycle operations, particularly around crosswalks and pedestrian areas.
Controversially, the enforcement immediately sparked backlashfrom motorcyclists who rely on the trade for their livelihoods, leading to earlier protests in March 2024 when hundreds of riders organized by the Supreme Motorcycle Transport Union of Liberia demonstrated against the restrictions while citing economic hardship, police brutality, and corruption in enforcement.
Following negotiations between police leadership, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and motorcycle union representatives, authorities announced revised restrictions on May 9, 2024, which took effect six days later with modified provisions including mandatory registration and insurance, safety gear requirements, and an 18-year minimum age limit for operators while maintaining core no-go zones between Red Light and Freeport.
While the Liberia National Police initially reported compliance during a three-month grace period, tensions persisted as riders accused officers of heavy-handed enforcement tactics, though central Monrovia saw a substantial reduction in motorcycle traffic through early 2025. However, up to Tuesday, June 17, 2025, this paper confirms the presence of commercial motorcyclists rendering their service in parts of central Monrovia without being confronted by the police.
“Reintroduction of Hooliganism”
For some Liberians, the reappearance of motorcyclists in central Monrovia indicates a severe threat. Moses S. Kayne, a Liberian activist and civil servant in central Monrovia warned that without immediate action, the city could see a resurgence of disorder. If care is not taken, he foresees what he considers the “reintroduction of hooliganism.” by motorcyclists.
“I am saying motorcyclists because on the majority they cause disturbances for the city so if the police don’t come back, to reinforce that particular mandate, to allow that mandate to hold again, I foresee motorcyclists creeping and we will have another group like a party in this particular country that when you are coming back to say go back, they will not want to go back.” He continued, “I foresee chaos. I foresee embarrassment. I foresee people jerking people’s bags.
He urged the government to strengthen enforcement. “These guys are creeping. Today, where there is a no-go zone, you find them plying those areas, so we are asking the government to reinforce that particular mandate,” he said.
On the other hand, others attribute the recent presence of commercial motorcyclists in the city to the weakening of police authority. Leroy Archie Ponpon, a Liberian political analyst, activist, and Chairman of the Face of the Intellectuals of Carey Street, narrated to this paper Tuesday, “It’s telling us [Police Inspector General Gregory] is becoming weaker. You are seeing the resurgence. Somebody is now getting on a bike right before you and myself.”
He argued that the issue should have been resolved by now, suggesting that the LNP’s inaction has allowed motorcyclists to return. “It is happening because Gregory is sleeping now. If it is the issue of negotiation that has the people back in the streets, let the public know rather than them sneaking in,” he added. Ponpon stressed that the police must remain vigilant, especially since they declared central Monrovia a no-go zone for motorcycles.
Ponpon warned that failure to permanently remove motorcyclists could undermine President Joseph Boakai’s legacy projects. “Gregory needs to get up again. If the motorcyclists are not removed permanently from the streets, President Joseph Boakai’s words with respect to legacy will not be seen. Because these are legacy projects. This is a political thing.” Citing motorcycle-related deaths and other societal disruptions, Ponpon threatened to call for the resignation of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman if the situation persists. “Gregory wants to make us ashamed,” he concluded.
LNP Insists Ban Remains in Effect
Despite these concerns, Liberia National Police (LNP) Spokesperson Cecelia Clark informed this paper via telephone on Tuesday that the no-go zone policy is still active. “They are violators. It is effective,” she said regarding motorcyclists operating in restricted areas.
However, Clark declined to provide further details, insisting that any additional comments would require a formal interview at the LNP headquarters at a later date.
Many young Liberians, mostly males, rely on motorcycle transport as their primary source of income and argue that the government’s actions have left them struggling to feed their families. However, there’s also another side to its importance including midnight attacks on peaceful individuals in order to take their belongings, accident among other unorthodox acts. Because of this, many believe that they must not be allowed in central Monrovia and other areas.
The Coalition for Democratic Change publicly criticized the ban, as the party chairperson Janga Kowo argued during a May 2024 press conference that motorcycles serve as vital components of Liberia’s transportation network and informal economy. He urged the government to adopt regulatory measures rather than outright bans.
In March of this year, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), General Gregory O. Coleman, revealed that motorcyclists and kekeh (commercial tricycle) riders account for the highest number of road accidents in Monrovia and its surrounding areas. In 2023, 200 motorcyclist deaths were reported, compared to 180 in the previous year. Over fifty cases of head and spine injuries related to motorcycle accidents are seen weekly, with more than thirty-five of those cases being motorcycle-related.
