Douala: SDO prohibits the circulation of motorcycles in Bali and Bonapriso areas.

The Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Wouri Mvogo Sylyac Marie, has prohibited the circulation of commercial motorbikes(Okada-riders) in Douala’s Bali and Bonapriso neighbourhoods in the littoral region.

According to a communique, motorbikes are prohibited from circulating in the neighbourhoods between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The restriction follows a sad occurrence involving Pierrot Kunz Misse, a Bali native.

He was fatally assaulted earlier this August by three thieves on motorcycles.

The decision was announced during an emergency security meeting on August 14.

The meeting, attended by administrative, municipal, and traditional authorities, as well as law enforcement officials and the victim’s relatives, was called to address mounting safety concerns in the aftermath of the fatal attack.

The SDO signed a new order prohibiting commercial bike riders from operating during defined hours in Bali and Bonapriso.

The official communiqué states that “commercial motorcycle movement is prohibited from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.”

It additionally advised that “…any individual found violating the curfew will face the seizure and impoundment of their motorbike and may be subject to legal action as per existing regulations” .

The terrible death of Pierrot Kunz Misse emphasized the critical need for increased security in the aforementioned neighborhoods.

Misse’s assault by unidentified men sparked deep worry among local residents and officials about the role of motorcycles in criminal activity.

The suspension of motorcycle mobility is viewed as a crucial step toward reducing the possibility of more violence and ensuring the community’s safety at night. The announcement of the order provides precise enforcement obligations.

It names the Douala City Mayor, the Divisional Officer of Douala I, the Mayor of the Douala I Council, the Commander of the Wouri Territorial Gendarmerie Group, and the Douala Central Commissioner N°1 as essential figures in enforcing and monitoring the new limits.

Local officials expect that the action would create a safer environment and prevent similar incidents in the future. Residents in Bali and Bonapriso have voiced conflicting opinions about the new laws.

While some see the ban as a vital step toward increased security, others are concerned about potential interruptions to their daily routines and the livelihoods of people who rely on commercial motorcycles for transportation.

It should be underlined that the curfew enforcement is a key step in the city’s continuous efforts to address security concerns and maintain public order.