UNDP Hosts National Dialogue to Strengthen Cooperation Between Bike Riders and Authorities in Sierra Leone
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in collaboration with various stakeholders, recently organized a two-day national dialogue in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This event brought together the Bike Rider Union, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) at the Bintumani Hotel to enhance cooperation between bike riders and state authorities across the country.
Representatives from all three groups attended the dialogue, which culminated in the signing of a communique. This document outlined mutual commitments and strategies aimed at fostering closer collaboration and improving relations.
Sayed Sahibzada, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, emphasized the significance of the Youth Bike Riders Project during the event. He highlighted that the project aims to empower young bike riders, who number 1.256 million, as agents of sustainable peace within their communities and among their customers. Sahibzada underscored the importance of this national dialogue in addressing conflicts and fostering better relations between bike riders and law enforcement agencies.
He stressed the need for continued dedication from both state authorities and bike riders to uphold the agreements reached during the dialogue. “By dedicatedly implementing the outcomes of this dialogue, we can achieve a lasting, harmonious relationship between law enforcement and bike riders,” Sahibzada stated.
A representative from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), a partner organization, echoed these sentiments. The representative noted that the dialogue aligns with KAIPTC's strategic goals of fostering effective collaboration with key institutions. He emphasized that the event was part of ongoing efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence between state authorities and bike riders.
Bai Tarawallie, Vice President of the Bike Rider Union, expressed gratitude to UNDP and its partners for providing a platform to address critical issues affecting riders. He acknowledged recent tensions with state authorities but reiterated the union’s commitment to fostering positive change and collaboration.
Madam Hassanatu Judith Mansaray, Director of Training at SLRSA, acknowledged the rise of motorbikes as a new public transportation mode in Sierra Leone. She noted challenges related to road safety awareness among riders but emphasized SLRSA’s role in regulating and coordinating road traffic to enhance safety and orderliness. Despite occasional misunderstandings, Mansaray highlighted the generally cordial relationship between SLRSA and the Bike Rider Union.
From the Sierra Leone Police, AIG Mustapha Kamara, Director of Gender and Community Affairs, reiterated the police force’s commitment to enforcing laws and maintaining public order. He praised the national dialogue as a pivotal platform for resolving conflicts and fostering mutual understanding between the police and bike riders.
Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs, recognized the vital role bike riders play in society, emphasizing their significant contributions to public transportation and the economy. He affirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the Bike Rider Union into a cooperative entity to enhance service delivery and promote peace.
The
dialogue concluded with a shared commitment from all parties to continue
working together towards safer roads and improved relations between bike riders
and state authorities in Sierra Leone. This collaborative effort is expected to
pave the way for a more harmonious and productive relationship, benefiting both
the bike riders and the wider community.