Tension is brewing in Monrovia as motorcyclists gear up for a massive protest, demanding the government lift the recent ban on their operations. The ban, imposed by the Liberia National Police (LNP), came after a tragic accident involving a truck, which claimed the lives of several motorcyclists. However, instead of addressing the root cause of these frequent road tragedies, the government opted for an outright ban, leaving thousands of riders frustrated, jobless, and desperate.
For many Liberians, motorcycles (commonly called “pehn-pehn”) are more than just a means of transportation; they are a lifeline. In a country where formal jobs are scarce, riding a motorcycle is a survival strategy, putting food on the table for countless families. Now, with this ban in place, riders feel abandoned, unheard, and pushed to the edge.
This frustration has already spilled into acts of resistance. Some motorcyclists, angered by what they see as an unfair punishment, allegedly vandalized police property and issued threats against officers. While violence is never the answer, their rage highlights a deeper issue, one that goes beyond just transportation restrictions.
Instead of banning motorcyclists, many believe the government should focus on regulating the sector properly. The issue isn’t the motorcycles themselves but the lack of proper traffic rules enforcement, road safety education, and alternative job opportunities for young people. With thousands of riders feeling squeezed by the system, the fear now is that this protest could escalate into something much bigger.
As Monrovia braces for this looming showdown, the big question remains: Will the government listen and find a middle ground, or will the streets become the battleground for another chaotic standoff between security forces and frustrated citizens?
