Large-displacement motorcycles are now banned for a renewable one-year period outside major urban centers. The transitional government says the measure aims to limit the movement of armed terrorist groups. Imports, transit, sales, and distribution of these two-wheelers are also suspended nationwide for the same duration. The decision has drawn skepticism from many Malians, especially those living in rural areas.

The ban was announced via an interministerial decree broadcast on national television earlier this month. “The circulation of motorcycles with engine capacity of 125cc and above outside large urban centers is suspended across the entire national territory,” the decree states. Bamako district, as well as regional, cercle, and arrondissement capitals, are considered large urban centers.

Adaptation powers

However, regional governors have the authority to adjust or prohibit these motorcycles in cercle capitals based on local security conditions.

A resident of Bandiagara cercle in central Mali, who requested anonymity, said enforcement would be difficult in his area. “Yes, it will be difficult because in Dogon country, these motorcycles are suited to our environment. We live in mountainous areas with steep roads. They are very useful. Our FAMa forces, humanitarian workers, and farmers all use them. Large motorcycles even serve as ambulances to transport the sick to health centers,” he said.

Worries

In the city of Mopti, also in central Mali, owners of large motorcycles are worried. They regularly travel to nearby villages by motorcycle for farming, herding, or fishing. Another Mopti resident welcomes the ban for security reasons but worries about its consequences: “We go from village to village daily for our activities. Since the ban announcement, most of us have parked our motorcycles. I used to deliver bread to many residents in villages far from Mopti city.”

Large motorcycles are used by armed groups as a means to move easily across the territory to carry out terrorist attacks. But they are also used by ordinary people going about their daily business, relying on these rugged two-wheelers to support their families in the absence of alternative transport.

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

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