The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor, and senior officials of the Ministry have held a meeting with the Executive of the Bike Riders Union (BRU) to address growing safety and security concerns surrounding the conduct of commercial bike riders across the country.

The meeting focused on issues including mob violence involving bike riders, the chaotic parking of motorcycles at major junctions that disrupts the free flow of traffic and endangers pedestrians, as well as the general misconduct of commercial riders.

During the engagement, Minister Lengor reiterated that bike riders taking the law into their own hands is unacceptable, stressing that the law will take its course against anyone found culpable.

He specifically referenced the recent violent clashes between bike riders and the Police in Kailahun, alongside other incidents of violence involving commercial riders. He warned that any further attempts to obstruct or disregard law and order would attract more severe legal consequences.

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The Minister emphasized the need for bike riders to operate within the confines of the law and conduct themselves responsibly to promote public safety and national development.

A major concern raised during the meeting was the recurring practice of some bike riders setting vehicles ablaze following fatal or serious road accidents involving fellow riders. Minister Lengor strongly condemned the practice, stating that the slogan, “Touch One, You Touch All,” should never be used to justify acts of violence or the destruction of property. He urged riders to respect due process and allow the relevant authorities to handle such incidents.

He warned that acts of lawlessness undermine the rule of law, threaten national security, and create unnecessary public disorder. The Minister therefore called on the BRU leadership to educate its members on peaceful and lawful means of resolving grievances while working closely with the Government to promote discipline within the sector.

Minister Lengor also expressed concern over the Union’s slogan, urging the BRU Executive to revise language he described as misleading and capable of encouraging unlawful conduct. He further encouraged the leadership to strengthen internal disciplinary measures against members who violate the law, emphasizing that responsible leadership requires firm and decisive action.

Also addressing the meeting, Deputy Inspector General of Police Andrew M. Kamara and Director of Traffic Management, AIG Abdul Moijueh, condemned the growing trend of bike riders taking the law into their own hands. They cited the recent unrest in Kailahun as a major concern and urged the BRU leadership to intensify public sensitization efforts to discourage members from engaging in vigilante justice.

Responding on behalf of the Union, the BRU Executive, including the Vice President and Spokesperson, pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police and other security agencies to improve compliance with traffic regulations and promote responsible conduct among commercial bike riders.

The Union, however, raised concerns about challenges affecting its leadership in the discharge of its responsibilities and appealed to the Government, through the Ministry, for support in addressing those issues. The Executive also committed to sensitising members on the importance of obeying the law and using the appropriate authorities to address grievances.

The BRU further announced that it has officially changed its slogan from “Touch One, You Touch All” to “Bike Riders Responsibility and Discipline.”

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint committee to implement the Sierra Leone Police–BRU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through fortnightly review meetings. Both parties also agreed to hold a joint press conference to formally announce the Union’s new slogan.