By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Commercial motorbike riders in Bo have called off their protest and returned to normal business following an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Joseph Ibrahim Lahai.
The meeting, held after the riders staged a protest on Friday, September 25, 2026, brought together representatives of the aggrieved riders, the Sierra Leone Bike Riders Union (BRU), civil society, police administrators and the media.
The riders had raised concerns over alleged harassment, arrests, monitoring practices, ticket charges and what they described as a lack of accountability within the Bike Riders Union.
During the meeting, representatives of the aggrieved riders accused the BRU leadership of failing to adequately protect and represent their interests.
They also alleged that some Bike Monitoring Officers (BMOs) were working with some police personnel and traffic wardens to arrest motorbikes and demand money from riders.
The allegations were presented by the riders and were not established as findings against the individuals or institutions mentioned.
The riders further raised concerns about alleged arrests carried out by individuals dressed in civilian clothing who, they said, claimed to be police officers.
They said the situation had created uncertainty among riders, particularly because they were sometimes unable to determine whether those conducting the arrests were authorized police personnel.
The riders also called for clarification on which department of the Sierra Leone Police is responsible for checking their licences and regulating their activities.
They expressed concern over the involvement of personnel from different police units, including Operational Support Division (OSD) officers, in traffic-related checks.
The riders also questioned the financial accountability of the Bike Riders Union, alleging that substantial amounts are collected through daily ticket sales without sufficient information on how the funds are utilized.
They complained that their welfare concerns are not adequately addressed despite their financial contributions to the union.
Another major concern was the increase in the daily ticket fee from NLe2 to NLe5.
The riders said the increase had placed additional financial pressure on them, particularly as fuel costs remain a major challenge for commercial motorbike operators.
They explained that the situation is more difficult for riders who do not own the motorbikes they operate and are required to meet daily financial obligations to the owners.
After listening to the concerns, AIG Joseph Ibrahim Lahai assured the riders that their grievances would be given serious attention.
He said he would engage the leadership of the Bike Riders Union to examine the issues raised and work towards practical solutions.
AIG Lahai also said allegations involving police officers would be investigated and addressed.
He urged the riders to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could disrupt public order, while encouraging them to return to their businesses as discussions continued.
He further called on the BRU leadership to engage its members and address the concerns that led to the protest.
During the meeting, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Bo/West Division, Augustine Kabia, directed the BRU executive to withdraw Bike Monitoring Officers from the Ngalu-Mahei Boima Road roundabout.
Mr. Kabia said roundabouts are not intended to serve as checkpoints, noting that the practice could create security and traffic-management concerns.
The directive was welcomed as part of efforts to reduce tensions between riders, monitoring officers and law-enforcement personnel.
Bo District Civil Society Organization (CSO) Chairman Joseph Dominic Blackie appealed to the riders to remain calm and trust the process initiated by the stakeholders.
Mr. Blackie said civil society organizations serve as a bridge between citizens and government institutions, ensuring that citizens’ concerns are communicated to the relevant authorities.
He assured the riders that their concerns would be documented and presented to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
Speaking on behalf of the Bike Riders Union, Regional Chairman South Sorie Saccoh acknowledged the concerns raised by the riders and pledged to address them with seriousness and urgency.
Mr. Saccoh said the Union welcomed the opportunity for its members to openly express their grievances, describing the engagement as an opportunity to identify areas requiring urgent attention.
He assured the riders that appropriate measures would be taken where agreed resolutions or guidelines are violated.
He also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against Bike Monitoring Officers found to have breached the agreed resolutions or guidelines.
Following the meeting and assurances from the police, civil society and the Bike Riders Union leadership, the aggrieved riders agreed to call off their protest and return to their normal businesses.
The development brought relative calm to Bo, with stakeholders calling for continued dialogue, accountability, lawful enforcement and cooperation among the police, the BRU, civil society and commercial motorbike riders.
The stakeholders agreed that sustained engagement would be necessary to address outstanding concerns and prevent similar grievances from escalating into further protests.