Sudan bans motorbike passengers to combat gang crime

Motorcycles in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and surrounding areas will no longer be able to carry passengers – a move intended to curb a rise in armed robberies committed by bikers.

The order was issued by acting governor of Khartoum state – and gives police the authority to stop bikes disobeying the ban on passengers.

First time offenders face potential penalties of two months in jail or a fine of 100,000 Sudanese pounds ($225, £175) or both penalties.

Repeat offenders would face up to four months in jail and a fine of $1,120), third time offenders risk a year in jail and the confiscation of their motorcycles.

The new measures have been introduced to tackle what has become known as the “long nines” phenomenon – referring to motorbikes which carry multiple armed men aboard.