Mali bans 125cc+ motorcycles outside urban centers to enhance security

Malian authorities have officially forbidden the operation of motorcycles with an engine capacity of “125 cm3 and higher” across the nation, excluding the capital and various administrative centers. This decisive move was announced via national television on Wednesday, June 3, as the country grapples with an unprecedented jihadist insurgency.

Motorcycles have become the preferred mode of transport for jihadist factions operating in Mali, a nation plunged into a profound security crisis for several weeks, with insurgents even imposing a blockade on Bamako. An interministerial decree, broadcast on national television Wednesday evening, explicitly states: “The circulation of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cm3 and higher, outside major urban areas, is suspended throughout the national territory.”

Areas exempt from the motorcycle restriction include Bamako and key administrative centers

The directive specifies that the “District of Bamako, along with regional capitals, circle capitals, and arrondissement capitals,” are not affected by this new ruling. Furthermore, in a separate communiqué, the authorities declared a suspension on the “importation, transit, commercialization, sale, and gratuitous distribution of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cm3 and higher, as well as their associated accessories (…) across the entire national territory.”

Mali is currently confronting a critical security situation following large-scale, coordinated attacks on April 25 and 26. These assaults were carried out by jihadists affiliated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda ally, alongside the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) rebellion, which is predominantly Tuareg.

Since April 30, these jihadist groups have also enforced a significant road blockade on multiple routes leading into the capital city of Bamako, further exacerbating the security challenges.