Mali Bans Large Motorcycles Outside Cities Amid Rising Terror Threat

Mali has banned motorcycles of 125 cc and above from operating outside major urban centres as part of efforts to combat terrorist groups. The government also suspended the import, sale, and distribution of such motorcycles nationwide, with exemptions for Bamako, regional capitals, and some urban areas. The decision follows worsening insecurity after coordinated attacks in April by terrorist and separatist groups, which led to casualties and further destabilised the country. Armed groups have since blocked key routes to Bamako and maintained control over parts of northern Mali, including Kidal.

Mali has introduced a sweeping restriction on the use and movement of certain motorcycles outside major urban centres, as authorities step up measures to counter the growing threat posed by terrorist groups operating across the country. The decision was announced through a government order broadcast on Wednesday, reflecting escalating security concerns in both rural and urban areas.
According to the order, motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cc and above will no longer be allowed to circulate outside major towns and cities across the national territory. The directive, which was read out on national television on Wednesday evening, stated that the “circulation of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cc and above, outside major urban centres, is suspended throughout the entire national territory.” Authorities clarified that this restriction is part of broader efforts to disrupt the mobility of armed groups that have increasingly relied on motorcycles for fast and discreet movement, particularly in remote and hard-to-monitor areas.
However, the ban is not absolute across the country. The government specified exemptions for key urban areas, including the capital city Bamako, all regional capitals, and selected other urban localities. In these designated areas, the movement and use of motorcycles meeting the specified engine capacity will continue to be permitted under existing regulations.
In addition to restricting usage, the authorities also imposed a nationwide suspension on several commercial activities involving motorcycles of 125 cc and above. This includes a halt on their importation, transit through the country, marketing, sale, and even free distribution. The same restriction also extends to accessories linked to these motorcycles, signalling a comprehensive attempt to limit both access and circulation of such vehicles across Mali.
The measures come against the backdrop of a worsening security situation in the country, which has been grappling with persistent attacks from terrorist organisations and armed separatist groups. The crisis intensified following coordinated attacks carried out on April 25 and 26 by terrorist elements and Tuareg-led separatist factions. These attacks resulted in significant casualties and heightened national concern, including the reported killing of defence Sadio Camara at his residence.
Since April 30, armed groups have further escalated their activities by blocking several key routes leading into Bamako, the capital city. These groups have reportedly set dozens of buses and freight trucks ablaze, severely disrupting transportation and supply routes into the city. The blockade has contributed to rising tension and insecurity, particularly along major highways used for commercial and civilian movement.
In the northern regions of the country, armed groups continue to maintain control over several areas, further deepening instability. Among the territories affected is the strategically important town of Kidal, which remains under the influence of armed factions. The situation underscores the broader challenge facing Mali as it attempts to restore security and maintain control over large parts of its territory amid ongoing insurgent activity.