Illegal Motorbike Rides Continue in Thiès Despite Ban
Thiès, Senegal – Despite a prefectural order issued on December 26, 2026, prohibiting motorbike races and “rodéos” within the department of Thiès, riders and individuals known as “jakartamen” once again defied the ban on Sunday evening around 8:00 PM.
According to reports, a large parade took place near the Thiessois promenade. The riders took advantage of the weekend, seemingly undetected by security forces, to parade through the main thoroughfares of Thiès.
The prefectural order was initially motivated by safety concerns. The document stated, “For reasons of public safety, races and rodeos of jakartamen and other motorcyclists are prohibited in the department of Thiès.” It further specified that any violators would be punished according to the provisions of the penal code.
The ongoing disregard for the ban raises questions about enforcement and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining public order. The practice of these motorbike gatherings has previously sparked conflict between youths and authorities, according to a 2020 report from Reuters regarding similar activity in France. That report detailed French government plans to increase efforts to clamp down on illegal motorbike “rodeo” rides.
While the specific nature of the Thiès “jakartamen” and their activities isn’t fully detailed in available reports, the situation echoes concerns seen elsewhere regarding disruptive and potentially dangerous motorbike gatherings. The recent actions in Thiès suggest a continued need for effective strategies to address these issues.
The issue of motorbike regulations and safety isn’t limited to Senegal. In Los Angeles, the city council recently approved a ban on rodeos due to animal cruelty concerns, as reported by FOX 11 Los Angeles in December 2023. This demonstrates a broader trend of increased scrutiny regarding events involving animals and potential public safety risks.
The prefectural order in Thiès underscores the local government’s commitment to public safety. However, the continued defiance of the ban suggests that further measures may be necessary to ensure compliance. The lack of detail regarding the security forces’ awareness of the parade raises questions about surveillance and response capabilities.
A report from the Santa Barbara Independent, dated September 11, 2025, touches on legal issues related to searches and seizures, though it doesn’t directly relate to the Thiès situation. It does, however, highlight the importance of legal frameworks and individual rights in the context of law enforcement.
The situation in Thiès remains fluid. It is unclear what steps authorities will take to address the continued violations of the prefectural order. Further reporting will be necessary to understand the long-term implications of these events and the effectiveness of any future enforcement efforts.
