Bike Riders Union, SLRSA, SLP Sign Peace Building Pact
In a significant move to foster peace and national cohesion, the Sierra Leone Bike Riders Union, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) signed a historic communiqué on October 7, 2024, at Atlantic Hotel. Facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the “Empowering Youth Bike Riders as Sustainable Agents of Peace Project,” the agreement aims to improve relations between bike riders and law enforcement.
The communiqué follows a June dialogue organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. This dialogue sought to address tensions between bike riders, road safety authorities, and the police.
Mohamed Nabieu, the Public Relations Officer of the Bike Riders Union, hailed the agreement as crucial for building trust between nearly one million bike riders and state authorities. He stressed its potential to ease licensing issues and reduce harassment from law enforcement. Rev. Smart K. Senessie, Executive Director of the SLRSA, highlighted the importance of the pact in enhancing road safety and cooperation among the stakeholders, especially in rural areas where bike riders are increasing.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Aiah Edward Samadia expressed optimism, seeing the agreement as a positive step towards improving regulations while protecting vital areas like the Central Business District. UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Hans Ampiah praised the role of bike riders in peacebuilding and called for the immediate implementation of the agreement’s terms.
In his keynote address, Youth Affairs Minister Mohamed Orman Bangura reaffirmed the critical role of bike riders in Sierra Leone’s transport system and peace efforts, calling for their inclusion in future initiatives.
Key points of the agreement include:
- Mutual respect between state authorities and the Bike Riders Union.
- Regular dialogue platforms to discuss road safety issues.
- Commitment from bike riders to abide by laws and cooperate with authorities.
- Encouragement for riders to report crimes and avoid complicity in illegal activities.
- State authorities’ commitment to enforcing road safety laws while promoting cooperation with riders.
This agreement marks a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s peace-building efforts, positioning bike riders as crucial partners in maintaining national stability and law and order.
