Mali suspends large motorcycle circulation in security crackdown

Large-displacement motorcycles are now banned for a renewable one-year period outside major urban centers. The transitional government says the measure aims to curb the mobility of armed terrorist groups. Import, transit, sale and distribution of these two-wheelers are also suspended nationwide for the same duration. The decision has been met with skepticism from many Malians, particularly in rural areas.

The announcement came via an interministerial decree aired on national television at the start of the month.

“The circulation of motorcycles with engine displacement of 125 cc and above outside major agglomerations is suspended throughout the national territory.”

Bamako district, regional capitals, circle capitals and arrondissement capitals are considered major agglomerations for this purpose.

Power to adapt

However, regional governors have the authority to adapt or prohibit these motorcycles in circle capitals depending on the local security situation.

A resident of Bandiagara circle in central Mali, who requested anonymity, said enforcing the ban in his area will be difficult.

“Yes, it will be hard because in the Dogon country, these motorcycles are suited to our environment. We live in mountainous areas with roads made of steep slopes and ramps. They are extremely useful. Whether it’s our FAMa (Malian armed forces), humanitarian workers, or us farmers, everyone uses them. Large motorcycles even replace ambulances in our zone to transport the sick to health centers,” he said.

Concerns

In the city of Mopti, also in central Mali, worry is visible among owners of large motorcycles who regularly travel to surrounding villages for farming, livestock and fishing activities.

One Mopti resident welcomed the suspension of 125 cc bikes beyond cities for security reasons but expressed concern about its consequences:

“We go from village to village daily for our work. But since the announcement, most of us have parked our bikes. I used to deliver bread to many residents in villages far from Mopti city.”

Large motorcycles are used by armed groups as a means of easy mobility across the territory to carry out terrorist attacks. But civilians also rely on these rugged two-wheelers for daily activities and to support their families, lacking alternative transport.

In late April 2026, a coordinated large-scale attack on several cities was carried out by Jnim jihadists and their allies from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

This drastic security measure highlights the severity of the crisis in Mali, but many analysts say it comes with a high social cost.