On Saturday, 31st August 2024, commercial bike riders in Kenema City took over the major streets of the municipality in a protest against the controversial ticket sales system imposed by the Commercial Bike Riders Union. Chanting the slogan, “No more Tickets sales to bike riders,” the riders expressed their frustration and dissatisfaction with what they view as an exploitative practice.

According to findings, the riders are protesting the daily ticket sales enforced by the Union, which they claim offers no benefits to them. Initially, they were paying NLe 1 per ticket, but many riders report that the Union did little to support their welfare or improve their conditions. “They just collect the money daily and divide it among themselves,” said one of the protesters, Abubakar Kallon.

Kallon further explained that tensions escalated when the Union unilaterally decided to increase the ticket price from NLe 1 to NLe 2 without consulting the riders. “This situation all of us have termed enough is enough; we must make our voices heard. So, if you are seeing us on the streets of Kenema, what I have explained is what has led us to this action,” he added.

The protest not only disrupted daily activities in the city but also led to the destruction of several ticket-selling points, underscoring the riders’ anger. The protesters are now calling on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the financial management of the Union, particularly the use of funds from the ticket sales, which they believe is being misappropriated by a select group of stakeholders.

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As of now, there has been no official response from the Union or the ACC regarding the protest and the demands of the riders.