By Mohamed J Kargbo
On October 7, 2024, at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bike Riders’ Union, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering peace and collaboration.
The agreement followed a two-day dialogue session where key issues were discussed, culminating in 18 resolutions integrated into the MOU.
The initiative was funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Development Fund (UNCDF).
Keynote speaker, Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, emphasised the significant role commercial bike riders’ play in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts, noting that they account for one-third of the country’s employment.
Bangura acknowledged that for too long, decisions affecting bike riders had been made without their input. He welcomed the dialogue and the MOU, expressing hope that the recommendations would not only be signed but also fully implemented.
The Minister announced that, as part of a UNDP project, the government had secured 200 tricycles to be launched in November. The tricycles, to be offered as loans to interested members of the Bike Riders’ Union, will be sold at a reduced cost of 65 million Leones, compared to the market price of 80 million Leones. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the government and youth.
UNDP Resident Coordinator, Fredrick Appiah expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the MOU after extensive dialogue among the three parties. He highlighted the significance of including bike riders in peacebuilding, as they are vital contributors to mobility and stability.
Appiah noted that one in eight people in Sierra Leone is a bike rider, underlining their importance in fostering peace. He also mentioned the substantial financial investment made by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, which has allocated over $85 million to support peace initiatives in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bike Riders’ Union, Public Relations Officer Mohamed A.T. Nabieu recounted the union’s origins following the 11-year civil war. Since its inception, the union has grown to include 1.2 million registered bike riders nationally.
Nabieu outlined the union’s contributions, such as organizing training programs to help riders understand road signs and promoting peaceful coexistence.
However, he also highlighted the challenges faced by the union, including difficulties in obtaining motor licenses, lack of communication regarding license fee increases, and frequent harassment by police and traffic wardens over minor offenses.
Nabieu expressed hope that the signing of the MOU would lead to lasting peace, trust, and mutual respect among all stakeholders.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Aiah Edward Samadia reaffirmed the police’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the MOU and ensuring the safety of bike riders.
He acknowledged the challenges bike riders face in central business districts and protected areas but expressed optimism that the dialogue had fostered mutual understanding.
Reverend Smart K. Senesie, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, also addressed the concerns raised by the union, particularly the claim that there was a lack of communication regarding license fee increases.
He refuted these claims, assuring that the SLRSA always engages the union before making such decisions. He reiterated the authority’s commitment to road safety, law enforcement, and addressing the challenges bike riders face.
