In Mali and Burkina, motorcycles have become a war issue

Mali suspended the circulation of motorcycles 125cc and above outside major urban areas as of June 3, 2026, also freezing imports and sales for one year. Burkina Faso adopted a different approach on June 4, requiring permits for all sector actors and quarterly detailed reports on stocks and customers. These measures aim to counter jihadist groups' use of motorcycles in the Sahel. Compliance deadlines are tight: 90 days for stock declarations in Mali, and until August 25, 2026 for Burkinabe importers.