In Benin and across the Sahel region of West Africa, the sight and sound of motorbikes, once a common and innocuous presence, now evoke fear and suspicion. This transformation reflects a broader trend where motorcycles have become closely associated with armed groups, altering perceptions and realities of mobility and security in the region.
Key Facts
- In northern Benin, motorcycles, once symbols of success and community pride, now instill fear among locals due to their association with armed fighters.
- Iliyasu Yahuza, a trader in Benin, notes a significant shift in how locals perceive him when he rides his motorbike, often being mistaken for a militant.
- Armed groups across the Sahel, from Burkina Faso to Mali to Niger, have adopted motorbikes as their preferred mode of transport, enhancing their ability to execute rapid and effective attacks.
- A 2023 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlights the role of motorbikes in the Sahel’s criminal and conflict economies.
Background
The use of motorbikes by armed groups in the Sahel has drawn parallels to the use of Toyota pick-up trucks by ISIL fighters in Syria and Iraq. The mobility and versatility of motorbikes make them ideal for the geography and tactical needs of the region’s fighters. This trend has not only changed warfare tactics but has also impacted the daily lives of ordinary citizens, who now face increased scrutiny and suspicion.
Timeline / What We Know
The association of motorbikes with armed conflict in the Sahel has developed over recent years, with significant incidents reported throughout 2023 and 2024. These include attacks in northern Benin and across the Sahel, where motorbikes were used for quick strikes and rapid withdrawals, complicating security efforts and heightening local tensions.
Official Reactions
Governments in the Sahel have responded to the threat posed by motorbikes in the hands of armed groups with measures such as motorcycle bans. However, these bans often adversely affect civilians more than the intended targets, isolating communities and hindering access to essential services.
What’s Next
The ongoing use of motorbikes by armed groups in the Sahel poses continuous challenges for security forces and policymakers. Efforts to address these challenges must balance the need for security with the daily needs and rights of local populations, ensuring that measures do not disproportionately impact innocent civilians.