By: James Kamara-Manneh
In a crucial meeting held on Tuesday, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired Major General David Taluva, issued a stern warning to executive members of the Sierra Leone Motor Bike Riders Association, urging them to thwart any potential violence before and after the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Taluva emphasized the intelligence reports indicating nefarious elements intending to exploit bike riders to instigate unrest during the national festivities and the impending elections of the Motor Bike Riders Association scheduled for May 4th.
Expressing deep concern over the possibility of political manipulation, Taluva cautioned against allowing both local and international politicians to exploit the association for their vested interests, stressing that such actions would only harm the nation. He underscored the imperative for bike riders to prioritize peacekeeping efforts and refrain from being instrumentalized by external forces, particularly those from the diaspora, aimed at destabilizing Sierra Leone.
Taluva emphasized that the forthcoming elections within the association should not serve as a catalyst for discord and disorder within the state. Referencing past events, he commended the bike riders for abstaining from involvement in the August 26, 2023 unrest and acknowledged the economic hardships they face, which might prompt participation in illegal protests.
Responding on behalf of the executive, Chairman of the Western Area Bike Riders Association, Mohamed S. Turay, acknowledged the internal division within the association, delineating into factions supporting different candidates for the upcoming elections. Despite acknowledging the potential tension surrounding the elections, Turay assured the Minister of the association’s commitment to maintaining peace under his leadership.
Turay revealed that only 40 delegate members are authorized to vote for their preferred candidate, emphasizing that this process should not incite violence. He pledged ongoing collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders before, during, and after the elections. Turay also refuted claims that recent incidents of violence involved unrecognized bike riders, asserting the association’s stance against any form of violence that could disrupt their livelihoods.
The meeting concluded with attendees proposing that the Minister convene a united meeting involving both factions to promote peace and understanding. Taluva endorsed the suggestion, urging all parties to act responsibly and uphold peace in Sierra Leone.
As the date for the Bike Rider Association general elections approaches on May 4th, 2024, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, heightened vigilance and collaboration between stakeholders remain paramount to prevent any potential disruptions and ensure a peaceful electoral process.