The Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Unions of Liberia (FOMTUL) finds itself at odds with a faction of its membership over a planned protest against restrictions imposed on commercial motorbikes in Monrovia. The protest, scheduled for May 3, 2025, stems from a tragic accident on February 19, 2025, where a vehicle suffered mechanical failure and collided with a motorbike, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. Following the accident, some motorcyclists reacted violently, vandalizing property and prompting the Liberia National Police (LNP) to impose temporary restrictions on motorbike movement in key areas of the city. A group identifying itself as the “Motorcycle Union” announced its intention to protest these restrictions, marching to the Ministry of Justice on February 26, 2025 to formally notify the government.
However, FOMTUL President John Abel Kenyor has vehemently disavowed the planned protest, characterizing it as politically motivated. He claims to have been contacted by individuals affiliated with other political parties seeking to co-opt the protest for their own agendas. Kenyor insists that FOMTUL is not behind the planned demonstration and condemns any attempt to exploit the situation for political gain or to destabilize the country. He emphasizes that FOMTUL is actively engaging with the government and other stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the issue and lift the restrictions. Kenyor’s stance underscores a divide within the motorcycle union, with a faction pushing for immediate action through protests while the official leadership prioritizes dialogue and negotiation.
Kenyor’s rejection of the protest is rooted in his belief that the organizers have ulterior motives beyond addressing the motorbike restrictions. He alleges that political opportunists are attempting to capitalize on the motorcyclists’ grievances to further their own political agendas. He questions the timing of the protest, noting that similar demonstrations were not organized during the previous administration, suggesting that the current protest is driven by political motivations rather than genuine concern for the motorcyclists’ plight. He appeals to the riders not to be manipulated for political purposes and to trust that FOMTUL is working diligently behind the scenes to resolve the issue.
The dispute highlights the delicate balance between legitimate grievances and political maneuvering. While the motorcyclists have a valid concern regarding their livelihood and the restrictions imposed on their operations, the FOMTUL president’s accusations raise questions about the true intentions behind the planned protest. The involvement of external political actors adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially escalating the conflict and hindering efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution. The situation also underscores the vulnerability of marginalized groups, such as motorbike riders, to political exploitation.
FOMTUL’s proposed solutions to the underlying issues contributing to the conflict involve a combination of regulatory measures and dialogue. The organization advocates for the registration and proper insurance of all motorcycles, aiming to formalize the sector and enhance safety standards. They are also engaging with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Legislature, and other relevant stakeholders to address the concerns of the motorcyclists and find a path forward. This multi-pronged approach suggests a commitment to addressing both the immediate concerns of the riders and the long-term challenges facing the motorcycle transport sector.
The incident exemplifies the challenges of managing competing interests within a complex political and social landscape. The FOMTUL leadership faces the difficult task of balancing the demands of its members with the need to maintain stability and avoid politically motivated unrest. The government, on the other hand, must address the legitimate concerns of the motorcyclists while upholding public safety and order. The outcome of this situation will likely depend on the ability of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground, prioritizing the welfare of the motorcyclists and the stability of the country over political maneuvering. The situation also underscores the importance of independent organization and representation for marginalized groups to prevent their concerns from being hijacked for political purposes.
