Manyu: SDO bans circulation of bikes at night.

The order is the content of a Prefectoral Order the administrative authority issued September 13, 2024. 

The order prohibits the circulation of both commercial and private motorbike from 8p.m. to 5:30a.m, from the date of signature of the order, till further notice.

The SDO warned that “anyone found violating this present order shall be sanctioned in accordance with the laws and regulations”. 

The SDO, through the release, instructed all Divisional Officers, Dos, mayors and the forces of law and order in Manyu, to each within their spheres of competence, ensure strict implementation of the order. 

The administrative authority said the new move is based on “growing security threats on persons and their properties”. 

The SDO described the move as a temporary, but necessary measure to arrest growing security concerns in his administrative unit. 

He said the situation will closely be monitored and adjustments made, depending on the evolving security landscape within Manyu Division. 

Residents of Manyu Division, especially commercial motorbike riders, have been urged to cooperate fully with the new rules. 

Awounfac stressed that the safety of everyone is a priority and adherence to the new order will contribute to a safer environment for all. 

The order, while inconvenient for some, will remain in effect until further notice, as the Division’s security situation continues to be monitored. 

Ban on circulation of commercial motorbikes has become common since the current crisis rocking the North West and South West Regions, morphed into an armed conflict.

Different administrative authorities have imposed circulation bans in different parts of the two restive Regions. 

Series of atrocities recorded in the two Anglophone Regions have been committed by Amba fighters onboard motorbikes. 

Motorbike bans have in some areas backfired, leading to a ban on circulation of taxis, by Amba fighters. 

By Saju Linda (Journalism student on internship) 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3232 of Tuesday September 17, 2024