Mali announces start of vehicle registration operation

Mali has intensified its fight against terrorism through a special operation to register motorcycles and tricycles under a new counterterrorism law, according to RFI and agencies on June 14th.

On June 3rd, Malian authorities announced a ban on motorcycles with an engine capacity over 125 cm3 in areas outside of major cities, such as Bamako.

Islamist militants from the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM use motorcycles in their attacks, riding in large groups across rural areas.

Starting on June 15th, owners of vehicles currently operating without a license will be required to register them at designated centres.

The Ministry of Transport released a list of 28 centres across Mali; none are in Kidal, which was recaptured by the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) following coordinated attacks with JNIM on April 25th.

JNIM and FLA militants have controlled Kidal’s Tessalit camps since May 1st; the FLA is reportedly holding over 200 Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) troops captive in Kidal.

Owners of unregistered two or three-wheel vehicles will have to go to these centres with their identity papers and a 12,000 FCFA fee only payable through “Treasury Pay”, either through the official website or via a Public Treasury mobile application.

Authorities have cited “current security imperatives” as justification for the ban; Mali’s junta has struggled to contain jihadist insurgencies and Tuareg separatist violence.

However, the ban is not evenly enforced, with areas under JNIM control, such as the central Mopti region’s Bankass district, reportedly reaching agreements where FAMA “no longer stray far from their bases,” allowing for motorcycles to circulate “normally.”

Civil society organisations have expressed concerns about the financial burden of the vehicle registration costs, as citizens are already experiencing fuel shortages, skyrocketing fuel prices on the black market and widespread power outages.

JNIM has imposed a fuel blockade on Mali since September 2025; a renewed blockade on Bamako was announced on April 28th.

The blockade is not completely impenetrable due to “special operations” by FAMA and Russian forces; on June 1st, FAMA announced that a convoy of 765 fuel tankers was received by Bamako.

Additionally, on June 5th, Malian authorities announced the creation of closed “military zones” in around 40 forests suspected of harbouring jihadists; anyone who enters the “military zones” will be treated as a legitimate target by FAMA.

Maghrebi contacted the Malian Prime Minister’s Office for comment on the new vehicle registration, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org