Armed men on motorbikes keep conflict in motion in the Sahel
Summary
In northern Benin and across the Sahel region, motorbikes have become a common mode of transportation for armed groups, stirring fear in local communities. Once seen as a symbol of success, motorbikes now provoke suspicion and anxiety among villagers, as they are linked with violent activities by armed fighters.Key Facts
- Armed groups in the Sahel, including Benin, use motorbikes to move quickly and carry out attacks.
- The sound of motorbikes, once a sign of arrival, now causes fear among villagers.
- Motorbikes are trafficked commodities in the Sahel's criminal economy.
- Iliyasu Yahuza, a local trader, feels unsafe on his motorbike due to this association.
- In 2023, northern Benin saw a rise in attacks by armed individuals on motorbikes.
- Security forces frequently stop individuals like Yahuza, suspecting them of links to militants.
- Public opinion has turned against motorbike riders, complicating daily life for regular users.
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