Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) hosted a National Dialogue Platform meeting at its headquarters on Kissy Road, focusing on the effective implementation of the National Communique signed on October 7, 2024. This Communique has received support from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the SLRSA, and the Commercial Motorbike Riders Union, and was facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to foster amicable resolutions and improve understanding between commercial motorbike riders and law enforcement agencies, thereby enhancing cooperation in maintaining law and order across the nation.
The Communique outlines eighteen resolutions agreed upon by all involved stakeholders, setting the framework for effective implementation. The March 20, 2025, meeting aimed to review progress, address ongoing challenges, and strategize future actions.
Progress and Challenges Discussed
Under the chairmanship of Abu Bakar Esq, participants were encouraged to reflect on their progress, confront existing challenges, and propose viable solutions. Abu Bakar Esq described the National Communique as a “conflict prevention and mitigation blueprint” for law enforcement agencies.
AIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara, Director of Training for the SLP, reiterated the police’s commitment to the full implementation of the Communique. He urged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with its provisions to ensure effective enforcement.
Achievements highlighted during the meeting included increased compliance with Central Business District (CBD) regulations, attributed to the collaborative approach of all parties involved. Notably, the decentralization of licensing has begun at all seventeen workstations across the country, alongside ongoing sensitization efforts aimed at building trust and mutual respect between motorbike riders and law enforcement.
However, challenges remain. Mr. Abdul Moijueh, Commissioner of Police and Director of Traffic Management Road Safety, reported cases of fraudulent identification cards being produced by some commercial motorbike riders, who falsely claim to be government officials or private businesspersons to operate within the CBD.
Path Forward
In light of these issues, participants unanimously agreed on the necessity for all parties to fulfill their respective roles as outlined in the National Communique. The meeting emphasized the need to enhance enforcement mechanisms and strengthen collaboration to effectively address these challenges.
The session concluded with a group photo, symbolizing the renewed commitment of all stakeholders to the successful implementation of the National Communique.
SLP Media Team
