The Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, met with the Executive of the Bike Riders Union (BRU) to address significant concerns regarding public order and road safety. Discussions focused on issues such as mob justice incidents following road accidents and violent clashes involving bike riders. They also addressed the problem of illegal parking by bike riders at major junctions, alongside other activities impacting public order. These discussions aimed to find constructive solutions for challenges affecting both public safety and the reputation of commercial bike riders across the nation, ensuring a more disciplined approach to road use. The full agenda reflected the government's commitment to fostering a safer environment for all citizens and regulating the activities of commercial bike riders.
Concerns Over Rider Conduct
The meeting between Minister Morie Lengor and the Executive of the Bike Riders Union (BRU) took place on Friday, 10 July 2026. During the discussions, officials cited a recent violent confrontation between bike riders and the police in Kailahun as an example of growing indiscipline among union members. This particular incident showed the urgent need for intervention and a re-evaluation of the union's internal protocols and messaging. The Minister criticized the union’s former slogan, "Touch One, You Touch All," suggesting it contributed to a culture of lawlessness rather than promoting responsibility. He indicated that such behavior was undermining public trust and creating significant challenges for law enforcement agencies across Sierra Leone. Lengor further elaborated that this slogan had inadvertently fostered a sense of collective impunity, leading to a disregard for established laws and regulations. The Minister also emphasized the need for the union to actively engage in fostering a more disciplined and lawful approach among its members to improve public perception and ensure road safety. He stressed that a change in the union's internal messaging was key for addressing the issues at hand effectively, promoting a culture of accountability.
Commitment to Discipline and Cooperation
Senior officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, representatives of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the leadership of the Bike Riders Union (BRU) jointly attended the meeting. This multi-agency presence noted the collaborative effort required to tackle the widespread issues. Among the key attendees were Deputy Inspector General of Police Andrew M. Kamara and Director of Traffic Management, Assistant Inspector General Abdul Moijueh, representing the Sierra Leone Police. During the discussions, the BRU officially announced a change in its organizational slogan. The union’s former slogan, "Touch One, You Touch All," has been replaced with the new motto, "Bike Riders Responsibility and Discipline." This change was presented as a significant step towards rebranding the union's image and committing to more lawful conduct.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Andrew M. Kamara and Director of Traffic Management, Assistant Inspector General Abdul Moijueh, conveyed their concern regarding increasing incidents of lawlessness involving commercial bike riders. They emphasized the need for a unified approach to address these challenges, stressing that cooperation between law enforcement and the union was critical for effective regulation. In response, the BRU Executive reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with the Sierra Leone Police and other security agencies to foster greater discipline among its members. The BRU leadership also pledged to actively educate its members on traffic laws and promote adherence to road safety regulations. The union leadership stressed that the new slogan reflects a renewed focus on accountability and adherence to traffic regulations, aiming to improve public perception and enhance road safety across Sierra Leone. This commitment extends to working hand-in-hand with authorities to prevent future incidents of mob justice and violent confrontations.
Ministerial Warning and Future Steps
Minister Morie Lengor warned that commercial bike riders must cease taking the law into their own hands. "Commercial bike riders must stop taking the law into their own hands, stressing that any individual found engaging in unlawful acts would face the full force of the law," Lengor stated. He showed that the government would not tolerate acts of vigilantism or violence, and legal consequences would be swift and firm. A key concern raised was the practice of some riders setting vehicles on fire after fatal or serious road accidents involving commercial bike riders. This destructive behavior, Lengor noted, exacerbates tragic situations and undermines the rule of law. Lengor added, "Government remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens but emphasized that justice must always be pursued through lawful institutions rather than acts of violence or retaliation." To ensure ongoing cooperation and monitor progress, a joint committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Sierra Leone Police and the Bike Riders Union. Both parties agreed to hold a joint press conference to announce the union’s new slogan, "Bike Riders Responsibility and Discipline," to a wider public, signaling a new era of cooperation and adherence to the law.
