LIBERIA’S MOTORCYCLE AND TRICYCLE UNION ACCUSE CDC OF MOBILIZING RIDERS TO PROTEST, DISTANCES ITSELF

By Sylvester Choloplay

March 4, 2025

Monrovia: The Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia (M-FOMTUL) have accused the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) of instigating a planned protest through an unauthorized group, the “Supreme Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia.”

The union alleges that the planned demonstration is politically motivated and aimed at creating instability thereby calling on all motorcyclists and tricyclists to reject any attempts to use them as tools for political disruption.

Some Motorcyclists have announced about a week ago a protest against the Boakai-Koung Government, particularly the Liberia National Police to express their disenchantment. However, in a statement issued on Sunday, March 2, 2025, M-FOMTUL, which describes itself as the sole legitimate representative of motorcycle and tricycle operators in Liberia, distanced itself from the protest and warned its members against participating.

“This protest is not about the welfare of motorcyclists and tricyclists rather, it is a politically orchestrated plot by individuals linked to the CDC’s youth wing, we strongly condemn this act and urge all riders to remain peaceful and law-abiding”, Mr. John Kenyon – President of M-FOMTUL noted.

Meanwhile, M-FOMTUL assured its members that their concerns, including restricted zones in Central Monrovia, are being addressed through peaceful negotiations with the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP). The union emphasized that its leadership is committed to advocating for the rights of riders through legal means rather than street protests.

To further ease tensions, the union announced that motorcycles arrested during the ongoing dispute will be released free of charge starting March 3, 2025, upon presentation of the original bike documents.

CDC has not yet responded to the claims, but the situation highlights the growing influence of political parties over Liberia’s commercial riders, a group that has historically played a crucial role in street demonstrations and election campaigns. Observers warn that if left unchecked, political interference in the motorcycle and tricycle sector could escalate tensions, potentially leading to broader instability. But, Mr. John Kenyon, who is the president of the Union, has further called on all cyclists to desist from joining any form of protest today.