Mezam SDO Bans Motorbike Riders from Carrying More Than One Passenger

The Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, has banned commercial motorbike riders from carrying more than one passenger across the division.

The order, signed on October 7, also targets riders wearing jackets that have not been approved by municipal authorities.

The measure comes shortly after the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) announced tighter regulation of commercial motorcycle transport in the North West, including a similar one-passenger limit.

The Mezam administration says the order is aimed at restoring public order and strengthening security.Commercial motorbikes remain one of the main means of transportation in Mezam, particularly in areas where other forms of public transport are limited.

The sector has also attracted security concerns amid the use of motorcycles by separatist fighters to move through communities.However, the SDO’s order does not explicitly link the passenger restriction to separatist activity.

Its stated grounds are public order and security.Divisional Officers, Mayors, Gendarmerie, Police and Special Branch officials have been instructed to enforce the measure with immediate effect.

Riders or groups that violate the order will face sanctions in accordance with the law.The latest measure adds to ongoing efforts by authorities to tighten regulation of commercial motorcycle transport in the North West, where the sector plays a significant role in daily mobility.