Mali on Monday, 15 June 2026, began a nationwide “special operation” to register motorcycles and tricycles as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat armed groups operating across the country.
The Ministry of Transport has designated 28 registration Centres across most regions of the country, although none has been established in Kidal, where State authorities have been absent since April 2026, due to the presence of jihadist and separatist groups.
Under the initiative, owners of unregistered motorcycles and tricycles are required to present identity and vehicle documents, and pay a registration fee of 12,000 CFA francs through the Government’s electronic payment platform, Tresor Pay.
The registration exercise is intended to improve the identification and tracking of vehicles in circulation and is viewed as a more practical measure than the motorcycle restrictions introduced on 3 June 2026, whose enforcement has varied across different areas.
Civil society organizations in Bamako have welcomed the operation, describing it as a necessary step in the fight against terrorism. However, they have expressed concern over the financial burden on citizens amid worsening economic conditions.
The groups have called for lower registration fees, proposing a maximum charge of 7,500 CFA francs for privately owned motorcycles and 15,000 CFA francs for commercial motorcycles and tricycles. They argued that the current fee could further strain households already facing rising living costs, fuel shortages and prolonged power cuts.
Civil society leaders have also urged authorities to apply the registration requirement to security personnel and other uniformed officers to promote fairness and strengthen public confidence in state institutions.
The transitional authorities have not yet announced a deadline for the completion of the registration exercise.