Mali bans motorcycle riding outside cities in wake of terror attacks

Mali has banned the use of certain motorcycles outside of major cities as the country battles terrorist groups, according to a government order broadcast on Wednesday.

Motorcycles are the preferred means of transport for terrorist groups in Mali.

An order read out on national television on Wednesday evening said the "circulation of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cc and above, outside major urban centres, is suspended throughout the entire national territory".

The order made exceptions for the capital Bamako, regional capitals and some urban locales.

Suspension of imports

Authorities also announced a nationwide suspension of the "import, transit, marketing, sale and free distribution" of motorcycles with engines of 125 cc or above, as well as their accessories.

Mali is dealing with a security crisis following coordinated attacks conducted on April 25 and 26 by terrorists and Tuareg-led separatists that killed defence Sadio Camara at his residence.

The terrorists have blocked several key routes leading into Bamako since April 30, torching dozens of buses and freight trucks.

Armed groups have captured several areas in the country's north, including the strategic town of Kidal.