Bo, Sierra Leone — Commercial motorbike riders in Bo City staged a protest on Thursday, May 8, 2025, voicing their grievances over increasing daily tax payments and alleged police harassment.
The riders claim that the escalating taxes and constant police interference are severely impacting their earnings, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
The protest, which saw a significant turnout of riders, disrupted traffic in various parts of the city as demonstrators demanded immediate attention from the authorities.
Many riders expressed frustration over what they describe as arbitrary tax hikes and frequent, unwarranted stops by law enforcement officers.
“We are not making enough money because of these actions by the authorities,” said one protester, highlighting the economic strain faced by many in the profession.
In response to the unrest, police officials have been deployed to manage the situation and engage with the protesting riders. Efforts are underway to open dialogue between the riders’ union and law enforcement agencies to address the concerns raised.
This protest in Bo mirrors similar demonstrations in other parts of Sierra Leone, where commercial bike riders have voiced discontent over financial pressures and treatment by authorities.
The situation remains tense, with stakeholders calling for peaceful negotiations to resolve the ongoing issues.
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