By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Executive of the Bike Riders Union (BRU), Government officials, and officers from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority have discussed strategies related to Conflict Prevention and Frontline Negotiations.
The event which was hosted by UNDP at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on the 14th of June, 2024 is part of the Youth Bike Riders’ Peace Building Funded (PBF) project.
The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Sayed Sahibzada in his opening statement noted that bike riders account for 1.6 million (one million, six hundred) youths across the country who form an important element in the economy of Sierra Leone. He said that every bike rider falls within the youth bracket and plays an important role in peace-building in the country.
He acknowledged the efforts being made by State Authorities in upholding peace and security in the country.
“I usually go out every night for an hour's walk which shows the important role the security sector plays in society,” he said.
He also acknowledged the good relationship between the bike riders themselves having formed a Union to represent their interest.
The UNDP Representative stated that dialogue brings people together to express themselves peacefully. He hoped the conversation would lead to an understanding between the state authorities and the BRU.
Vice President (VP) for BRU, Bai Tarawalley explained how they have created employment for themselves for them to stop roaming about idle.
He stated that they have been classified as the most lawless people in the country, but informed the gathering that they contribute immensely towards the development of Sierra Leone. He expressed delight for the dialogue, recounting unpleasant encounters their members have had with the police and road safety officers in the course of their work.
Director of Training at SLRSA, Hassanatu J. Mansaray said most bike riders lack road safety education, violate traffic rules, and refuse to use crash helmets for their safety. She however admitted that SLRSA and bike riders share a very cordial relationship.
She said the dialogue was timely and urged participants to make the most of the engagement to resolve conflicts.
Director of Gender in the SLP, Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), Mustapha Kamara said they have been working with bike riders from the onset and they have experienced problems but believe that the only way to resolve those problems is through dialogue and collaboration.
He stated that present-day policing deals with engagement and was happy for the dialogue as it forms part of the fulfillment of their objectives as a force.
Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura noted that bike riders should be at the helm of decision-making in the country. He said if the message of peace is given to the 1.6 million bike riders, it will quickly spread to various communities.
He recalled in 2022 when Police in Freetown were chasing bike riders from the Central Business District (CBD), he told President Julius Maada Bio to sit with them and discuss the way forward. He said it was at that meeting he realized that there were no defined laws for CBD as the Police and SLRSA have different interpretations.
The minister recognized the role of bike riders in transporting sick people to different health centres in the country as the majority of them contribute to the economy and peace of Sierra Leone and applauded the bikers, police, and road safety officers for initiating the dialogue.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (21/06/24)
