Malian officials have formally prohibited the use of motorcycles exceeding “125 cm3 and more” across the nation, with exceptions only for the capital city and major administrative hubs. This directive, announced via national television, responds to an escalating jihadist insurgency plaguing the country.
Motorcycles are frequently exploited by jihadist groups for their mobility across Mali, a nation grappling with an unprecedented security crisis that has recently seen insurgents impose a blockade on routes leading to Bamako. An inter-ministerial decree, broadcast on national television, specifies: “The circulation of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cm3 and above is suspended throughout the national territory, outside major urban areas.”
The “district of Bamako, regional capitals, circle capitals, and arrondissement capitals” are exempt from this new regulation
The official document clarifies that the “district of Bamako, regional capitals, circle capitals, and arrondissement capitals” remain exempt from this new restriction. Furthermore, authorities issued a separate statement announcing the suspension of “the import, transit, commercialization, sale, and free distribution of motorcycles with engine capacities of 125cm3 and above, as well as their related accessories (…) across the entire national territory.”
Mali is currently enduring a critical security situation, intensified by 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, and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a predominantly Tuareg rebellion.
Since April 30, jihadist factions have also imposed a significant road blockade on several key arteries leading into the capital city of Bamako.