Municipal Authorities Restrict Two-Wheel Vehicle Operations Across Capital Ahead of Major Cultural Celebrations
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The Addis Ababa Police Commission has imposed an indefinite ban on motorcycle operations across the capital, citing heightened security vulnerabilities and rising traffic violations as the country prepares for major cultural holidays amid renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The directive took effect on September 25, 2026. According to official announcements, the restriction applies universally across all municipal zones, exempting only law enforcement personnel and designated government operations under Code 4 license registrations.
Municipal police authorities stated that recent investigations revealed widespread use of motorcycles by criminal suspects to conduct robberies, carry out thefts, and transport stolen property. Ongoing security operations have already led to multiple arrests involving suspects utilizing two-wheel vehicles to evade law enforcement.
Law enforcement agencies also highlighted severe traffic infractions as a driver for the ban, noting frequent instances of riders running red lights, fleeing collision scenes, operating without safety helmets, and obscuring or altering license plates to prevent identification.
The operational ban comes as Addis Ababa prepares to host massive public gatherings for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Meskel Demera celebration and the Oromo thanksgiving festival, Irreecha. Both cultural events draw large crowds into central plazas and public spaces across the capital, placing significant pressure on municipal security forces and traffic management infrastructure.
The security measures coincide with heightened national concern following the resurgence of active combat between federal forces and rebel groups along regional border zones. Police authorities warned that strict legal action will be taken against any individuals violating the directive, confirming that the motorcycle ban will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice.
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