Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a prominent grassroots advocacy organization, has filed a petition with Liberia’s Supreme Court seeking the immediate lifting of restrictions imposed on motorcycle and keke (commercial auto rickshaw ) riders in parts of Monrovia.
The petition, filed on March 10, 2025, seeks a writ of prohibition against the Government of Liberia to allow riders free access to areas including Monrovia and the bustling Duala Market, while also calling for the return of confiscated motorcycles.
The legal action, spearheaded by STAND in conjunction with the National Keke & Motorbike Riders Welfare & Advocacy Organization (NAKEMOR), cites a severe transportation crisis stemming from police-enforced restrictions that have impeded the livelihoods of over 200,000 riders across Liberia.
The petition names key government figures as respondents, including Minister of Justice & Attorney General Oswald Tweh and Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman.
The impact of motorcycle transportation in Monrovia is significant, as it accounts for approximately 40% of urban public transport and plays a crucial role in the daily commutes of citizens.
Motorbike and keke operations provide affordable transportation, especially in a city where many residents earn less than $2 a day. The absence of an effective public transport system has made these two modes of transportation essential for the movement of people and goods, especially in densely populated areas.
In a press conference held after the filing, STAND’s Chief Executive Officer, Mulbah K. Morlu, condemned the police’s ongoing campaign to restrict operations of licensed riders, characterizing it as an abuse of power.
“Motorcycle riders are not criminals. They are hardworking Liberians trying to make an honest living,” Morlu said. “The police’s so-called ‘no-go zones’ are unwarranted and unjust, punishing all riders for the actions of a few.”
According to the petition, the restrictions were implemented following an incident on February 19, 2025, which resulted in the tragic death of a motorcyclist during a chaotic altercation involving a truck driver.
While acknowledging the dangerous nature of the incident, STAND argues that it does not justify a blanket ban on all motorbike and keke activities, which risks destabilizing the livelihoods of thousands of families.
The petition emphasizes that these restrictions violate Article 13 of the 1986 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens within the Republic of Liberia. It calls for the immediate cessation of the police’s confiscation of vehicles and the imposition of excessive fines as punitive measures.
As the case awaits consideration by Justice in Chambers Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, the socio-economic implications of continued restrictions loom large. A survey in Monrovia shows that the city’s population heavily relies on motorbike and keke services for transportation, leading to increased demand and reliance on these services for many residents’ daily activities.
In light of STAND’s petition, the Supreme Court’s decision will be crucial in determining the future landscape of motorcycle transportation in Monrovia and ensuring the protection of the rights and livelihoods of tens of thousands of riders across Liberia.
